Diary of a Wimpy Kid: World's Largest Camping Read-Along

Two of the stars of the upcoming motion picture DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS – the “Wimpy Kid” himself, Zachary Gordon, and Robert Capron, who portrays Rowley – will join author Jeff Kinney, who penned the phenomenally successful books upon which the film is based, and the baseball team the Trenton Thunder, to set the world record for the largest Camping Read-Along.  The event will take place on July 27, 2012, at Mercer County Waterfront Park in Trenton, NJ at 10:30pm.

In addition to making camping and reading history, the WIMPY KID team will throw out the first pitch with baseball’s only “bat dogs” – Chase and Derby .

Is this a Diary or a Journal
Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

“We are thrilled to bring Hollywood to New Jersey, with the appearance of author Jeff Kinney and DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS stars Zachary Gordon and Robert Capron here on July 27,” stated Eric Lipsman, Senior Vice President, Trenton Thunder.  “I’m sure our fans that have read the books and seen the first two movies will be very excited to meet them in person and participate in our post-game outfield camp-out/sleepover… as we attempt to set the record for the Largest Camp Read Along.”

Looks like Greg is trying to score "love" in this tennis match!
Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS is in theaters everywhere August 3, 2012.  In the film, set during summer vacation, “Wimpy Kid” Greg Heffley, the hero of the phenomenally successful book series, hatches a plan to pretend he has a job at a ritzy country club – which fails to keep him away from the season’s dog days, including embarrassing mishaps at a public pool and a camping trip that goes horribly wrong.  In addition to Zachary Gordon and Robert Capron, the film stars Devon Bostick, Rachael Harris, and Steve Zahn.  It is directed by David Bowers from a screenplay by Maya Forbes & Wallace Wolodarsky, based upon the book by Jeff Kinney.  The producers are Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson.

What do you think - does Rodrick rule?
Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

More than 75 million Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are in print in 35 languages in more than 36 countries around the world. Published by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS, Kinney’s work has been widely praised for its ability to turn reluctant readers on to books. Jeff Kinney was named one of Time magazine’s most influential people in the world. The first movie based on the books, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, grossed more than $75 million worldwide in box office sales, and the second movie, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, was the #1 movie at the box office in its opening weekend in theaters. The book series won Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 2010, 2011, and 2012, and Jeff Kinney won a Children’s Choice Book Award in 2012. Books in the series have won numerous awards voted on by students and teachers in schools around the globe. The Wimpy Kid Island, Wimpy Wonderland, on www.poptropica.com, remains one of the most visited on the site.

The Trenton Thunder are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate in Trenton, NJ. The team has attracted over 7 Million Fans to Mercer County Waterfront Park along the banks of the Delaware River over the past 18 years.  Yankees stars such as Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Robinson Cano, and David Robertson are a few of the hundreds of current and former Major League players who have worn the Thunder uniform.