Legend Henry Winkler hopes to change children's lives with his inspirational books

Henry Winkler, best known for his loveable, leather-clad role in Happy Days, is visiting the Dartford shopping centre to sign copies of his latest children’s novel Ghost Buddy.

Despite being the coolest guy on the planet, the dyslexic actor – who wasn’t diagnosed until his 30s - had a terrible time at school.

Teachers told him he was stupid, he couldn’t spell and "the only subject he was good in was lunch".

But he believed in himself and persevered with his burning ambition to become a star – a story he hopes will inspire children worldwide.

News Shopper caught up with Henry from New York this week.

He said: “I'm living the phrase 'be careful what you ask for' and I'm very grateful.

"It's what I talk to the children about.

"I thought for the longest time that I was stupid - I believed everything people said to me.

"It was horrible and it’s another thing I talk to the kids about.

"No matter how you learn it has nothing to do with your brilliance.”

Henry, who plays incompetent lawyer Barry Zuckerkorn in TV comedy Arrested Development, was in the bottom three per cent of Americans academically.

He added: “The top 10 per cent are celebrated - they're going to write great theses on stuff, become doctors and lawyers, but the bottom three per cent who are allergic to school are good with their hands and they will learn to be plumbers, builders and carpenters and build the homes that the top 10 per cent live in.

“I want them to understand they are powerful.

“If they stick to whatever it is their dream is and put on foot in front of the other it's very possible for them to achieve their dream.

"It was always my dream to become an actor.

"Everything I did I did with that in mind.”

Nearly 10 years ago Henry began writing the bestselling Hank Zipzer books aimed at youngsters between seven and 12.

Based on his trials and tribulations at school, he hopes to help children with learning disabilities through the hilarious tales.

Four years ago he began touring schools throughout the country with First News, a national paper for kids.

"There are 600 children sitting on the floor in their beautiful uniforms - they don't know who I am.” Henry added.

“I never expect anybody to know who I am.

"By the time I'm finished talking to them we all want to hug.

"It's one of the most touching, fabulous, fulfilling, gratifying things I've done in my life.

"We laugh together - then I get letters back when they've read the books and they say 'how did you know me so well?'

"It's unbelievable.

"They really see they are not alone.

“It's very gratifying when I get letters from parents saying 'my child would not read and I walked by their bedroom and they were laughing out loud reading your book.’”

Henry received an OBE from the Queen last year for his work with children in the UK.

He will be signing copies of his new novel Ghost Buddy at Waterstones in Bluewater on Sunday June 17 from 1pm.

He said: “Ghost Buddy is about a young man (Billy Broccoli) who moves into a brand new house, the first night in his bedroom and his sports jersey floats out of the closet and admires itself in the mirror.

"This kid does not like to be frightened.

"Two very unlikely beings have to become friends - it's about taking care of each other.

"If the relationship between Billy and Hoover (the Hoove) reminds you a little of Richie and the Fonz you would not be wrong.

"I do not leave until every book is signed - it's painful but I don't care.

"I'm only half the equation."

Not only does Henry have a powerful message for the kids, he has also given News Shopper the secret to being so cool.

"I will tell you how you maintain cool - you never think about it ever, not for a second.” He said.

"It's like the Emperor’s New Clothes.

"I've finally defined cool for myself.

"It's being comfortable in your own skin.”