In this section
About the Waterstones Children's Laureate
Everything you need to know about the laureateship and the current children's author in the role, Cressida Cowell.
More about Cressida Cowell
Cressida Cowell is the number one bestselling author-illustrator of the How to Train Your Dragon and The Wizards of Once book series, and the author of the Emily Brown picture books, illustrated by Neal Layton.
Children's Laureate events
Would you like to see Cressida Cowell and the former Waterstones Children's Laureates? If so, why not head along to one of a number of events this year.
Former Laureates
Take a look at our League of Laureates: ten star authors and illustrators who have previously held the role.
Our supporters
Find out about everyone who supports the Waterstones Children's Laureate and makes the role possible.
Celebrating 20 years of the Waterstones Children's Laureate
Now it's 2019, we've reached a milestone: this year is the 20th anniversary of the Waterstones Children's Laureate. Don't miss out on all the celebrations...
Celebrating 20 years of the Waterstones Children's Laureate
This year, in 2019, we've reached a milestone: it is the 20th anniversary of the Waterstones Children's Laureateship in the UK.
Fun activity sheets to try
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How To Train Your Dragon: Design Your Own Dragon
Draw your dragon, give it a name and then those all-important vital statistics!
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How to Train Your Dragon: Make Your Own Crown
Colour in Hiccup and the headband and make your own crown to wear proudly!
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How To Train Your Dragon: Suggested activities for hosting your own event
Lots of game and activity suggestions to hold a fun How To Train Your Dragon event in y...
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Emily Brown colouring activity sheet
Colour in Emily Brown and her toy rabbit: perfect for younger fans of Cressida Cowell.
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The Wizards of Once: Lost Words
Collect lost and endangered words! Can you match these words with their meanings?
Laureate news on Twitter
- We LOVE the new line up of #WorldBookDay’s £1 books and can’t wait to support their reading for pleasure campaign throughout 2020. Reading for just ten minutes a day is all it takes to have a positive effect on a child’s future, so let’s all #ShareAStory today. https://t.co/0ke0NGRiRT 1 hour ago
- HERE THEY ARE! The @WorldBookDayUK 2020 £1 titles have been announced alongside beautiful bookmarks 😍 Which book (or books) do you want to get your hands on the most? #ShareAStory https://t.co/jVqfbsJM5u 3 hours ago
- RT @WorldBookDayUK: We’re delighted to announce our plans for #WorldBookDay 2020. We want to get books into the hands of children across th… 3 hours ago
- We are half an hour away from finding out the #WorldBookDay 2020 titles! Don’t miss the announcement via @WorldBookDayUK on Monday #ShareAStory 4 hours ago
- RT @WorldBookDayUK: Not long now until we announce 2020’s #WorldBookDay £1 books and authors! Join us from 10.30am as we reveal the new… 4 hours ago