Diary of a Wimpy Kid sequel launched in Manx for World Book Day

Tuesday 10^th March 2026

To celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 5 March 2026, Culture Vannin launched the second book in the best-selling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney in the Manx language.

Published as Jeelane Tootagh – Rodrick Aboo, the book is the Manx translation of the hugely popular children’s novel Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. The launch took place at Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, the Isle of Man’s Manx-medium primary school, as part of their celebrations for World Book Day – Lioaryn Shenn as Noa in Manx Gaelic.

The translation was completed by Adrian Cain, a teacher of the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh’s Year 3 and 4 class, Brastyl Barrule.

Part of the hugely popular and acclaimed Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, the story follows Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges and embarrassments of middle school life through his hilarious diary entries.

Adrian said:

“It is great to see the book published. Hopefully, it will be an enjoyable and engaging resource for Manx learners and speaker of all ages whilst teaching us all (in Manx) some important lessons, such as parties arranged by teenagers when their parents are away never end well!”

The Manx edition provides a fun and accessible way for children to enjoy reading in the language. It also offers a valuable resource for learners and families who want to use Manx outside the classroom setting.

The book’s production was overseen by Ruth Keggin Gell, Manx Language Development Officer for Culture Vannin.

Ruth said:

“A huge amount of work went into this book, and we’re delighted to see it on the shelves! Having Manx translations of popular, relevant, and contemporary books is a wonderful thing for speakers of all ages, and we look forward to seeing what Adrian will translate in the future. His translations will also hopefully inspire a new generation of young Manx speakers to consider writing their own books in the future”.

Manx is increasingly visible across the Island — in placenames, in print and online, and spoken by thousands of people of all ages. Around 1,500 children currently learn Manx in schools, and the most recent census showed that 3.64% of the population has knowledge of Manx, whether speaking, reading or writing it — a 20% increase since 2011.