Diary of a Wimpy Kid becomes 2011's fastest seller

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever jacket Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows Greg Heffley as he tries to fit in at school

The latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid novel has become the fastest-selling novel of 2011 so far, according to new figures.

Cabin Fever, the sixth book in the series by US author Jeff Kinney, sold 81,656 copies in its first four days.

Kinney's previous weekly sales personal best was 30,312, set by fifth book The Ugly Truth, in November last year.

Cabin Fever follows middle school child Greg Heffley as he attempts to fit in at school and deal with his brothers Manny and Rodrick.

It is publisher Puffin's biggest weekly sale since BookScan records began in 1998, while the book's 500,000-copy initial print run is the largest in the publisher's history.

Only two other children's writers have enjoyed stronger opening week sales - Harry Potter author JK Rowling and Twilight novelist Stephenie Meyer.

"We are all absolutely thrilled at Puffin with these fantastic first week figures and are thoroughly delighted that the Wimpy Kid phenomenon continues to grow," said Francesca Dow of Penguin Children's Books.

More than five million Diary of a Wimpy Kid books have been sold in the UK with more than 50 million in print in North America.

The series has also been made into films, with the second instalment released in cinemas earlier this year.

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