Lee and Vic weren’t the only ones to love Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure by Jeff Kinney… Here is what the QBD crew thought:
Last year series spin-off ‘Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal’ offered a fresh new perspective for lovers of the ‘Wimpy Kid’ series. In ‘Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure’ best-selling author Jeff Kinney takes it one step further with his fantasy-themed story, created by the imagination of Rowley Jefferson, a first of its kind in the series.
It was his best friend Greg Heffley who inspired Rowley to start writing a journal but on Rowley’s second attempt he creates a story of his own. Readers are taken on an action-packed quest inspired by his mum, featuring “Roland the Kind” (Rowley) and “Garg the Barbarian” (Greg). A humorous tale showcasing the wit and humour of Kinney, the pair set off on an adventure to free Roland’s Mum from the White Warlock.
Departing from the diary format for this novel, the structural change may be a natural progression for fans who have grown with the series. Concurrent to the fantasy fiction Rowley is creating, readers are entertained by the turbulent friendship of Rowley and Greg to which ‘Wimpy Kid’ series fans have grown accustomed. Between each chapter, a behind the scenes look into the making of the novel has Greg offering his well-intentioned input. Yet while Greg’s confident suggestions aim to strengthen commercial options and success for the venture (including marketing, movie rights and merchandise), Rowley struggles to maintain his story’s focus. He ends up reluctantly amending storylines, adding characters he doesn’t necessarily like and joke fill-ins such as Stephen, the half-man/ half-cow. Greg is nonetheless a big help providing inspiration to Rowley as we see the characters have come to rely on each other despite their differing views.
The storylines spotlight different themes throughout such as friendship, conflict and family and are suited for readers 8-13 years-of-age. Its clever jokes are rife with cultural subtext, often a little left of centre for children to understand but providing a humourous element for parents and teachers to enjoy.
When you’re done reading, make sure you check out Montana Art Project in West End, Brisbane!
