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On May 3, Henry Winkler – yes, the Henry Winkler – visited the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center as part of Mission Viejo Library's Writers Present series. Hundreds of kiddies, adults and fans showed up to hear about the final book in the "Hank Zipzer" series, "A Brand-New Me." "We chatted, we hugged, we signed, we read – it was really fantastic," Winkler told me during an interview the following day. Winkler and co-author Lin Oliver (right) have penned 17 books all about the wacky, funny,  unstoppable Hank – and each one is unique, hilarious and offers a wonderful lesson to children struggling with learning disabilities. Based roughly on Winkler's own experiences with dyslexia, the final book in the series picks up during Hank's last year at PS 87 – well, maybe. Unfortunately, our protagonist hasn't completed his community-service requirements, and without them he can't graduate. With a little help from a caring teacher, support from his friends – and an audition at a performing-arts school, Hank might just prove everyone wrong.  I absolutely love the "Hank Zipzer" series. This is a wonderful way to show kids across the world that "you've got greatness inside you, and your job is to figure out what our gift is and give it to the world." And that's what Winkler keeps repeating to kiddies reading his books and sharing in the trials, tribulations and joys of Hank. But, that's not all: I had the opportunity to chat with Winkler about what's next for Hank – and he and Oliver. Read on to see what he says ... Kristen Schott: What has the journey been like for you and Hank? How have the character – and you – changed since the first book? Henry Winkler: I think in the last one you can feel Hank growing up. You can feel that he is taking on responsibility that he feels he's ready for. I am in shock that not only did I help write one, but I was a part of a team that wrote this many. I pinch myself every day. You know the subject, and you're going to write the best you can. KS: When you set off to write No. 1 in the series, did you know you'd have 17 total novels? What inspired you to keep telling Hank Zipzer's story? HW: We had a contract for four, and we set about it. I'd go to Lin's office every morning, and first we'd talk about anything other than work. Then, we'd chat it out ... and we'd bounce ideas off each other. I'm telling you, so far I haven't gotten used to the process, and the doing and the having it. ... I didn't think of being inspired. KS: What was your favorite Hank book and why? HW: Kids ask me that all the time. ... I can't pick. Each time we finish a book, I think this is the funniest one. KS: These books discuss the topic of learning disabilities – what advice would you offer a parent or a child living with such challenges? HW: For parents: Your child knows they're not keeping up. Your child does not feel great, and your job is to make sure their self-image does not plummet. ... Because once that self-image goes, then everything else gets blocked. For kids: How we learn has nothing to do with how smart they are. KS: What's your favorite part of interacting with your fans? HW: They ask me great questions – we have great chats, and they really don't accept garbage. They don't accept fake. So at the end, if they're still there in the room, and they're listening, I can't tell you how extraordinary a feeling that is. KS: What do you like the best about Hank? HW: I'm not sure – my favorite part about the Hank character is he is resilient. His cup is completely half-full. He keeps talking about the old Zipzer attitude, and that makes me happy, very happy. KS: In regard to Hank's audition and his ability to create wacky scenes in his head, is this based at all on your experiences? HW: When I would audition for a part, whatever it was, it was impossible for me to read cold. My eyes wouldn't track. I couldn't see; I couldn't follow the words on the page. So I learned how to improvise, to get the essence of what the scene was and be able then build on it. I don't know if I was right, but I just did it anyway. ... And a lot of times, I would just go with my instinct. KS: I know it's the end for Hank in terms of books, but are you and Oliver considering any other projects for him? What are they? Why or why not? HW: Not for Hank. Seventeen sounded like a great number for him. (We are) working on a new series for kids. KS: What is YOUR next step – any future collaborations between you and Oliver? New books? New movies? New projects? HW: On June 3, the series "Royal Pains" launches for its second year on USA Network. Last year I was a fan – I just watched it – and this year, I'm on it. There are two boys, one is a doctor, and one runs the doctor's business – I'm their dad. They talked about me last year – he's fast-talker. I think I'm a little shady. We've filmed the first episode, then we're going back to New York to do part of the book tour for Hank, then to film the next. So, stay tuned for more from Winkler, and in the meantime, catch up on the "Hank Zipzer" series. And remember, in the words of Henry Winkler, "How you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are."  Kristen Schott is OC Family's children's book editor. Be sure to check out "Storytime," my video book reviews, for more fun facts about stories you and your kiddies must read. Borders launches Double Dog Dare Reading Challenge 'Zack the Prairie Dog' Oh, what a kid-book world Young adult and children's lit in 1 place Earth Day is coming! Author spotlight: Rhonda Fischer 'That Cat Can't Stay' Calling all book lovers 'Where the Mild Things Are' by Maurice Send-up That dog's gettin' old 'Prentice Hall: The American Experience' Pick up this springtime counting book One whimsical story Anaheim Public Library launches book donation campaign Gosh, I love Spoonfuls of Stories 'Are You My Mother?' Poetry for kiddies Books aplenty in O.C. Vocab – it's not a nightmare anymore 'What reading can do for your kiddies' A look back Book with no words 'Pickle Things' Book vs. Kindle A world of magic awaits Hearts and hugs? 'Rita and Whatsit' Colds and books More 'Twilight'? 'Princess and the Frog' Where do you read? Are they really 'Indestructible'? Book journals 'Weezer Changes the World' 'All Kinds of Families' |
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RSS SubscribeReaders Feedback:
Our School is starting up a new reading program...aimed at increasing awareness of the importance (and FUN) of reading! I have heard that Mr. Winkler will sometimes do guest appearances. Do you know of who I could get into contact with to perhaps facilitate an appearance at our school? Thanks so much for any help you may be able to give. Sincerely, Dawn Mercado, Wagner Elem. School, Placentia, CA. PTA VP.
| Comment at 8/17/2010 |
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