Henry Winkler’s 40th Book: A Triumphant Return to His Roots

Henry Winkler’s 5 Powerful Lessons on Dreams & Dyslexia

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Upper West Side, Manhattan – In a heartwarming full-circle moment, beloved actor and author Henry Winkler returned to the hallways of his childhood, PS 87, not as “The Fonz,” but as a best-selling author inspiring a new generation to dream big.

The visit was more than a nostalgia trip; it was a powerful lesson in perseverance. Winkler, who has been open about his lifelong struggles with dyslexia, spoke to students about the challenges he faced and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

From Learning Challenges to Literary Champion

Winkler’s journey as a reader was difficult. He famously didn’t read his first novel until he was 31 years old. “I was afraid to read,” Winkler has said. He described the words as “dancing all over the page,” making the process arduous. His breakthrough came with Jean M. Auel’s “The Clan of the Cave Bear,” a book he credits with showing him that with a little more time, he could indeed become a reader.

This personal triumph over fear is a central theme in his work. He co-wrote the “Hank Zipzer” series, inspired by his own experiences, to help children who learn differently see themselves in stories.

Celebrating a New Milestone: “Detective Duck”

The timing of his school visit coincided with the release of his latest children’s book, “Detective Duck: The Mystery at Emerald Pond.” This marks a significant milestone—it’s his 40th published book. Co-written with Lin Oliver and illustrated by Dan Santat, the story follows a duckling named Willow Feather McBeavers.

Winkler describes the book as a tale about “friendship, jealousy, friendly competition, and the dangers of plastic.” He adds, “[It’s] about realizing that your life is big enough to have a lot of friends and you don’t have to worry because you are enough.”

A Message of Resilience and Self-Belief

Speaking to the students at PS 87, Winkler and his co-author Lin Oliver discussed their writing process and the power of big dreams. His message was clear: a learning challenge does not define your intelligence or your potential. His own career—from an iconic television star to a prolific author—is a living testament to that belief.

By sharing his story in the very school he once attended, Henry Winkler provided an unforgettable, real-life example of how resilience, patience, and self-belief can turn struggles into extraordinary success.