Waterstones Children's Laureate

Author-illustrator Cressida Cowell is the Waterstones Children's Laureate for 2019-22. 

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 April 2020 16x9

A letter from Cressida Cowell: 'Reading is magic'
Life-Changing Libraries logo 16x9

Life-changing Libraries
Jen Khatun and Nadiya Hussain, who are taking part in #PassThePen

Learn about #PassThePen
Artwork from How to Train Your Dragon: by Cressida Cowell

Cressida reads HTTYD

#PassThePen

#PassThePen is an initiative from Cressida Cowell and BookTrust Represents to promote emerging authors and illustrators of colour working on children's books!

The fifth point on Cressida's Laureate Charter is that 'every child has the right to see themselves reflected in a book' - and so she's working to support new creators.

From 16-20 November 2020, up-and-coming authors and illustrators took over the Instagram accounts of famous names to introduce themselves, share their work, and discuss their inspirations.

Among the stars who handed over their social media were the likes of Nadiya Hussain, Dermot O'Leary, Greg James and Chris Smith and many more.

Find out more about the #PassThePen pairs

Explore the #PassThePen booklist

The logos for BookTrust Represents and the Waterstones Children's Laureate with the #PassThePen hashtag

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.

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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

In 2019, we reached a milestone: the 20th anniversary of the Waterstones Children's Laureate. Here's what we did to celebrate!

Celebrating 20 years of the Waterstones Children's Laureate

In 2019, we reached a milestone: the 20th anniversary of the Waterstones Children's Laureateship in the UK. 

Find out how we celebrated

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You helped send suprise book gifts to 16,000 children and made them feel special.

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