Lin Oliver

The series adapted from children's books by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver returns for a second season. Based on Winkler's own experiences growing up with dyslexia, but with events transposed from the US to Yorkshire, it also stars the man who was Fonzie as teacher Mr Rock, an understanding counterpoint to Ms Adolf (Felicity Montagu). In today's opener, McKelty ruins Hank's school photograph by spraying him with pop. Hank (Nick James) is determined to get himself cleaned up and back in front of the camera.

Jonathan Wright, The Guardian, 13th August 2015

Adapted from the books by Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler, based upon Winkler's own experience of growing up with dyslexia, Hank Zipzer is a fast-paced, frantic and very funny comedy, with serious undertones, from the CBBC channel.

Several aspects of episode one did jar, however. Firstly, our schoolboy anti-hero's extremely American-sounding name is never explained. Secondly, I'd like to think that modern schools are sufficiently enlightened around dyslexia not to punish a student with the condition by making him read his essay aloud in assembly. Thirdly, the quality of the acting among the young cast covers a wide spectrum, and that's putting it charitably.

Minor quibbles apart, Hank Zipzer is great fun, cleverly constructed and eminently likeable. It also boasts an excellent adult cast, including Felicity Montagu as Hank's bad-tempered, sword-wielding teacher Miss Adolf, and Winkler himself oozes charm as a rock'n'roll music teacher, appropriately named Mr Rock.

Harry Venning, The Stage, 30th January 2014

Funny, imaginative... and dyslexic. That's Hank, who struggles to express himself on paper, but has no problems in person. He's helped by his two "bessies", his family and Henry "the Fonz" Winkler as music teacher Mr Rock. This new school comedy was inspired by the books by Winkler and Lin Oliver based on Winkler's own young experiences of dyslexia.

Radio Times, 27th January 2014