Fake Snakes and Weird Wizards

Here's Hank #4

by Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver, Scott Garrett (Illustrator)

Hank’s sister Emily wants Ralph’s Reptile Show to perform at her birthday party more than anything, but Ralph is booked solid. So Hank comes up with a plan: he’ll disguise himself as a magician called The Westside Wizard and pull a snake from thin air! But when Hank’s true identity is revealed during his performance, his good deed might just turn into a huge disaster.

Genres: Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Humor

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2015

About the author

Henry Winkler is instantly recognizable and admired by audiences of all ages for his role as the Fonz on the long-running series, Happy Days. In addition, he is an award-winning producer and director of family and children's programming. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed Hank Zipzer series, which follows the everyday adventures of a bright boy with learning challenges.

Mr. Winkler has also continued his acting career on the big screen, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nightshift, a starring role in the box-office hit Scream, and co-starring roles in The Water Boy, and Holes. On television, he has guest-starred on ABC's The Practice and NBC's Law & Order: SVU. He recently starred on Broadway for nine months in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party.

Mr. Winkler is deeply committed to children's welfare and works with numerous children's groups. He is involved with The MacLaren Children's Center (a facility for abused children), The National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, The Special Olympics, and The Los Angeles Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival, as well as numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. He is a founding member of the Children's Action Network, a non-profit organization that sponsors informational briefings for writers, producers and directors on children's issues and serves as a clearing-house for the entertainment industry on children's issues.

Reviews

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Hanks behavior in this book. He was so nice to his sister. This book was about thanks sister, Emily, watching a snake to come to her birthday party. Hank decides to try and help get a snake even though he doesn’t like them.

[Nam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank proves to have the right family values in this book. It was a very enjoyable read.

[Jamie Van Nuys · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son loves these stories. They are inclusive for learning differences, funny, fun for the parents to read too!

[Rhoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and Touching

My son is autistic and intellectually disabled. His connections to the characters and their commitment to one another compel him more each novel. This truly is a magical book series !

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=6133

I like Hank! I am so glad to be introduced to him! Hank is a good friend, a great brother, and just all around a good kid. This book was all about how he was going to make sure his sister’s birthday party was the best she could have. Throughout there are some funny moments and some definite “learning a lesson” times, but in the end, it is all about friends and family. I like that although Hank is a bit of a funny guy, he isn’t a trouble maker or bad kid. He is a good role model, but not over-the-top goody-goody. I think kids are going to really like him, and his books are a great early chapter book!

[Clare]

Looks like a sweet message but the writing is average, better books around...

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank Zipzer is a fun, relatable character. Great book for kids adjusting into chapter books/ boys and girls alike.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like this series for beginner readers. A bonus that the book is designed with font Dyslexie.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

No Hank Zipster, but pleasant fodder for the new chapter book crowd

[Lorraine Der · Rating 4 out of 5]

Library Catalog

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Henry Winkler's books about Hank. They are positive and funny. You really pull for Hank because he's such a good kid. This has a good message for siblings. Sweet book.

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I had a brother as sweet as Hank.

[K Gover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank Zipzer- dyslexie font used.
Age- grade 2-3

Funny- lots of action and great message.

Author: Henry Winker and Lin Oliver

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was read by Lin Oliver, so it was kind of fun to hear her voice. She did a great job.
Hank does his best to bring his bratty (!) sister a great birthday present. Super cute!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I laughed e at this book than my son did. I enjoy Hank’s adventures and listening to the authors read it just makes it better.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still wish Winkler were narrating the audio version, but another good story. I like how he showed that brothers and sisters can be nice to each other at this age.

[The Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dexter (7yo) read. "Hank is at a festival for a family outing. Emily, Hank's sister, grabbed him by the arm and said, 'Come see the snake named Ginger. It's the sweetest, big snake.' But Hank does not like snakes."

[Elyse S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this in class in one sitting, my kids loved it and thought there were many great laughs. I’ve never read Hank before and didn’t know it was a series, but we will definitely read them again.