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
- RT @scholasticuk: Calling all #TomGates fans! @lizpichon will be doing an event with @CressidaCowell @UKLaureate in London on 17th February… 3 days ago
- RT @Booktrust: We're so excited to be running our #StorytimePrize for a second year! It's all about finding the best book for sharing with… 4 days ago
- There's still time to grab a ticket for the @CressidaCowell, @Kiran_MH and @LizPichon event at #SCImagineFest on 17 February - hear how these authors come up with their magical ideas. They'll share their top tips on unleashing your creativity too! https://t.co/1ECD5UnzCj https://t.co/2OjUb9UYku 5 days ago
- RT @EmpathyLabUK: Launched - our 2020 #ReadforEmpathy collections. There are two collections - one primary, one secondary. Thank you to o… 5 days ago
- We all love a little bit of #WednesdayWisdom, and the current #ChildrensLaureate never disappoints 🙌 'Books are a kind of transformative magic that offer magical things that films aren’t as good at creating in children: empathy, creativity and intelligence.' https://t.co/icPXgvwFcY 5 days ago