Rob Ferrett and Gene Purcell look at three new drunk driving bills being discussed in the state Assembly today. Then, they’ll speak with the author of the hit children’s series “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and explore the world of niche online dating.
Featured in this Show
-
Kinney's 'Wimpy Kid' Lives On In New Book
Children’s author Greg Kinney said that the phenomenal success of his “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series has vastly exceed his expectations, but that hasn’t stopped him from expanding the story.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that (the character) Greg Heffley’s stories would be enjoyed by this many kids around the world,” Kinney said in a statement coinciding with the release of the eighth book in his series, “Hard Luck.”
The response to his work has been so positive that the books have sold millions of copies and inspired three feature films.
The series follows the misadventures of Greg Heffley and his best friend and their ups and downs in life, school and love. In the latest installment, Heffley faces the unthinkable: the loss of his friend and co-conspirator, Rowley, who gets his first girlfriend and leaves his pal on the sidelines.
According to Kinney, the book captures “that feeling you have as a teenager when your best friend gets a boyfriend or a girlfriend and you lose them.”
And it’s not always easy making new friends in middle school, Kinney said.
As for his character, Kinney said he’ll never get older — forever a child. He said that decision used to keep Kinney awake at night until he decided to keep Heffley as he is.
“He can’t (age),” said Kinney, “he’s a cartoon character.”
However, the message remains the same for readers.
“Childhood is the same everywhere,” muses Kinney, “It’s universal.”
Even though Heffley will keep on stumbling through life as a forever-kid, Kinney said he doesn’t talk down to his audience.
“You need to treat kids as sophisiticated consumers,” Kinney said.
Judging from the success of the best-selling “Wimpy Kid” books,” his readers agree with Kinney’s strategy.
-
State Assembly Considers Three Drunk Driving Bills
The State Assembly is considering three new drunk driving bills today. A guest from Mothers Against Drunk Driving explains how these bills would change existing laws and why he thinks Wisconsin needs them.
-
Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck
The “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series has taken the world of children’s literature by storm and author Jeff Kinney is back with the eighth book in the series, “Hard Luck.”
-
The Trend Of Niche Online Dating
Online dating sites like match.com and eHarmony are now mainstream. But there’s a new trend in finding love on the Internet…niche online dating. We’ll talk to an expert on Internet communication about these niche sites and what they say about the state of romance in the United States.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Veronica Rueckert Host
- Rob Ferrett Interviewer
- Jeff Kinney Guest
- Frank Harris Guest
- Catalina Toma Guest
- Amanda Magnus Producer
- Galen Druke Producer
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
