Jeff Kinney is an American author and cartoonist who is best known for his popular series of children's books, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid." Born on February 19, 1971, in Fort Washington, Maryland, Kinney grew up in a household that valued education and hard work.
As a child, Kinney was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with his family. He had a close relationship with his parents, who were both teachers, and his older brother, who was a computer programmer. Kinney credits his parents with instilling in him a love of reading and a strong work ethic.
In school, Kinney excelled in math and science and was a member of the robotics club. He also enjoyed playing sports and was a member of the varsity soccer team. Despite his love of sports, Kinney's true passion was always writing and drawing.
After graduating from high school, Kinney attended the University of Maryland, where he studied computer science. However, he soon realized that his true calling was in writing and illustration, and he decided to pursue a career in the field of children's literature.
In 1998, Kinney began working on "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," a series of illustrated novels that follow the adventures of a young boy named Greg Heffley. The books were an instant hit with both children and adults, and Kinney has since published numerous successful titles in the series.
Today, Kinney is recognized as one of the most popular and successful children's authors in the world. His books have been translated into numerous languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Kinney continues to write and illustrate new "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books, and his work continues to inspire and entertain readers of all ages.