How to Train Your Dragon: How to Train Your Dragon No.1
by Cressida Cowell
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+
Published by Hodder Children's Books, 2003
About this book
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III was an incredible sword-fighter, dragon-whisperer and the greatest Viking hero who ever lived. But he wasn't always like that - in fact, in the beginning, Hiccup wasn't fierce, brave or heroic at all. But the arrival of the Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus offers the chance for Hiccup to shine. The ferocious bravado of the other Vikings proves useless, and Hiccup is called upon to save them by using his brains rather than his brawn.Can he defeat the dragon and save the Viking tribe from certain death?
This award-winning story of Vikings and dragons, with its striking black-and-white-illustrations, is enormous fun. Young readers will love Cressida Cowell's sharp wit and humour, and will be keen to follow Hiccup's adventures through the rest of the books in this hugely popular series.
About the author
What to read next
We know that children can get hooked on a favourite book series or author and struggle to find something they love as much, but we’re here to help.
-
Is your child hooked on Cressida Cowell's How To Train Your Dragon books? Have they devoured them multiple times? Here are some ideas about where they could turn next...
More books like this
-
How to Train Your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing
by Cressida Cowell
9 to 14 years
-
Which Way to Anywhere
by Cressida Cowell
9 to 14 years
-
The Wizards of Once: Never and Forever
by Cressida Cowell
5 to 14 years
-
The Wizards of Once: Knock Three Times
by Cressida Cowell
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Brilliant books to read to primary school children
Reading books to children has lots of amazing benefits, even when they're learning to read – or can read – themselves. Cuddling up together to share a story or a fascinating information book is a great way to bond. This experience can in the long term give children improved mental wellbeing and the tools to progress at school. But, most importantly, it's fun! We hope you enjoy settling down together with these brilliant books.
-
Books to read aloud to ages 7 and 8
Children love being read to, as a group and one-on-one, even once they can read fluently themselves. In a group, it's a chance to spark excitement over what might happen next, whereas one-on-one, it's an opportunity to bond and to discuss anything unfamiliar. This selection of books contains gripping stories, funny situations and poetry that will make children smile.
-
100 Best Books 6-8
Take a look at our pick of the best books for 6-8 year olds from the last 100 years.
-
Books about Vikings
The Vikings are fascinating, with their many raids on other lands, their thirst for exploration and the various Norse gods that were so important to them. This selection of books shows what Viking life was like, with all the action and humour you might expect. It includes fiction and non-fiction and is suitable for primary-aged children.