Waterstones Children's Laureate

Author-illustrator Cressida Cowell is the Waterstones Children's Laureate for 2019-21. 

The role of Children's Laureate is awarded once every two years to an eminent writer or illustrator of children's books to celebrate outstanding achievement in their field.

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. She has sold over 11 million books worldwide in 38 languages.

Cressida Cowell, credit David Bebber

Cressida Cowell announced as the new Children's Laureate

In this section

Artwork from How to Train Your Dragon: by Cressida Cowell

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.

Cressida Cowell, credit David Bebber

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.

Hiccup at the seaside: illustration by Cressida Cowell

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.

Biscuit medal from Laureate ceremony 2017

Former Laureates

Take a look at our League of Laureates: ten star authors and illustrators who have previously held the role.

Children's Laureate logo 2019-2021

Our supporters

Find out about everyone who supports the Waterstones Children's Laureate and makes the role possible.

All ten Children's Laureates, drawn by former Laureate Chris Riddell

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. 

Find out how we've been celebrating

Latest from the Laureate

Laureate news and blogs

Read our other blogs

Fun activity sheets to try

Look through other resources

Laureate news on Twitter

Follow us on twitter