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.

The Wizards of Once books by Cressida Cowell

Win a set of The Wizards of Once books by Cressida Cowell

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

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Laureate news on Twitter

  • Oooh, we've just noticed we are less than 100 followers away from the magic 10,000 😯😯 We'll give you all the latest updates and news from all the Children's Laureates, especially the current laureate so why not come and join the party? #ChildrensLaureate https://t.co/UzpRn2WQpW 7 hours ago
  • And we love dragons too - more dragons for all! 🐉🐉🐉 #ChildrensLaureate https://t.co/4fcd07RA21 7 days ago
  • RT @Booktrust: Christmas can be hard for children who are vulnerable or in care, but just one book could brighten a child's Christmas and b… 17 days ago
  • RT @clpe1: Celebrate the one year anniversary of the #LiteracyLibrary with us this month! Join us for our next #LiteracyLibraryPresents ev… 17 days ago
  • Sunday mode. Insert a book for accurate footage of bookworms on Sundays. https://t.co/aI59980eaD 18 days ago
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