READING, Pa. (CBS) - Actor Henry Winkler, best known for his role in the long-running TV series Happy Days, is reaching out to a new generation.

Most remember Henry Winkler for his portrayal of the irreverent Arthur Fonzarelli a.k.a “The Fonz.” However, Winkler, 65, has gained acclaim as an author of children’s books which he began writing with a partner back in 2003.

He was in Reading on Sunday to take part in a special “Reading is Fundamental” program at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center.

Winkler’s series of books focus on a character he calls Hank Zipzer, an underachieving fourth-grader with the learning disability dyslexia.

“Somebody said, ‘Why don’t you write books for kids about your dyslexia?’ And, I thought at first, I can’t do that because I’m supposed to be stupid. I was told I would never achieve,” Winkler said.  The second time he mentioned, I went, ‘Okay, I’m going to try it.’ Now my partner and I have written 17 novels.”

Winkler still does TV and movies. He is currently guest starring in “Royal Pains” on USA Network, playing the father of the two main characters. He is also heading to Boston on Tuesday for a movie shoot with Kevin James and Salma Hayek.

Reported by Mark Abrams, KYW Newsradio