Wimpy Kid Author Revamps Hometown with $25M Project

Wimpy Kid Author Transforms Plainville, MA

Jeff Kinney, the beloved author behind the global phenomenon “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” is embarking on an ambitious project to revitalize his hometown of Plainville, Massachusetts. Kinney, whose book series has sold over 300 million copies worldwide, is investing $25 million into transforming the downtown area of the small town, located just 40 miles south of Boston.

Kinney, who has lived in Plainville with his wife Julie for over two decades, sees this as a way to give back to the community that inspired his wildly successful books. The “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, which follows the humorous adventures of middle schooler Greg Heffley, has spawned 20 books and eight movies, captivating young readers across the globe.

From Sketchbook to Town Square

Kinney’s own creative process is deeply rooted in Plainville. He shared his personal sketchbook, where he developed the iconic characters of Greg Heffley and his family, emphasizing the town’s integral role in his work. “That’s crazy because I write these books right here in Plainville, Massachusetts,” Kinney remarked, highlighting the close connection between his literary world and his real-life surroundings.

The town of Plainville, with its population of 10,000, is now home to the official “Wimpy Kid” headquarters. This creative hub is located on the third floor of a building that also houses Kinney’s independent bookstore, “An Unlikely Story.” The bookstore itself is proof of Kinney’s commitment to the town.

A Bookstore Born from Royalties

The site of “An Unlikely Story” was once Faulks Market, an old general store that had been abandoned for 17 years when the Kinneys moved to town. “When we got our first royalty check for a Diary of a Wimpy Kid, we spent it on buying the building,” Kinney explained. The couple envisioned a space that could serve everyone, from young children to older adults, and settled on the idea of a bookstore.

Building a Community Hub

Kinney’s revitalization project extends beyond his bookstore. He is developing a town green, an anchor restaurant, and a beer garden across the street. “We just wanted to create these spaces where people could gather, where we could get to know our neighbors,” he said.

The planned beer garden is designed to be family-friendly, anticipating children and pets running around. Kinney hopes this project will serve as a model for other towns.

“We’re really hoping that this might be a template for other towns so other towns could look at how we did it, learn from it, and then build in their own towns,” he stated. The ambitious construction is slated for completion in 2031.

“A community becomes great when old men plant trees whose shade they’ll never enjoy.” This Greek proverb resonates with Kinney’s vision. He added, “We’re going to plant those trees. And one day our grandkids will enjoy it or kids who grow up here in Planeville.”

A Real-World “Unlikely Story”

Kinney described the project as an “unlikely story,” reflecting the unusual nature of its development and his gratitude for the opportunity. “It’s so unusual how all of this happened. And I feel so blessed that we get to do this and make a big difference in our town,” he shared.

His efforts represent a remarkable transition from building imaginative worlds in children’s literature to actively rebuilding and enhancing a physical community. The project highlights a deep commitment to Plainville, aiming to create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Smithsonian Welcomes New Elephant Calf

In other news, the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C. Celebrated the arrival of Lin Mai, a two-month-old Asian elephant. She is the first elephant born at the zoo in nearly 25 years, marking a significant moment for conservation efforts.

Lin Mai, weighing over 500 pounds, is reportedly drinking about two liters of baby elephant formula quickly. Despite her size, zoo staff emphasize she is still a baby.

“It’s pure joy. I think anybody looking at that elephant calf knows exactly how we’re feeling,” said one of the keepers.

A Surrogate Auntie’s Support

The calf’s birth in early February presented challenges. Lin Mai’s mother, Nin, a first-time mother, did not bond with her daughter, a situation that can occur with Asian elephants. The zoo staff, prepared for such possibilities, introduced Lin Mai to an older female elephant named Sworna.

Sworna, who has helped raise calves before, quickly became Lin Mai’s surrogate auntie. Her presence is vital for the young elephant’s development.

“Once we were really looking for some sort of companionship for Lin Mai, we went right to Sworna,” a zoo official explained. Sworna’s immediate connection with Lin Mai showed she understood the calf’s needs for support.

Learning the Elephant Life

The bond between Sworna and Lin Mai has been inseparable since their introduction. Sworna is now teaching Lin Mai essential elephant skills, such as how to use her trunk.

“They don’t come out of the womb just knowing how to use their trunk. They’ve got to be taught,” a zookeeper noted.

This learning process is similar to human development, requiring instruction and practice to master necessary life skills. Lin Mai is also growing rapidly, gaining between two to three pounds daily. Visitors are encouraged to see her as a baby before she grows larger.

Source: Stay Tuned NOW Streaming Behind The Scenes! – April 22 (YouTube)