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A letter from Cressida Cowell: 'Reading is magic, and magic is for everyone' 21/04/2020
Cressida Cowell writes to readers to offer hope and reassurance during the coronavirus ...
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Children's Laureate Cressida Cowell's tenure extended until 2022 16/04/2020
Today, we're excited to announce the extension of Cressida Cowell’s tenure as Waterston...
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#UnitedByBooks: Leading children’s reading organisations, authors and illustrators come together to support families at home 23/03/2020
Children’s reading organisations including BookTrust, Scottish BookTrust, Coram Beansta...
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
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
This year, in 2019, we've reached a milestone: it is the 20th anniversary of the Waterstones Children's Laureateship in the UK.
Laureate news and blogs
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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Colour in Emily Brown and her toy rabbit
Add a splash of colour to Emily Brown and her rabbit - perfect for younger fans of Cres...
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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 @EmpathyLabUK: As our #EmpathyDay countdown starts, download our Family Activities pack and join in the fun. 14 activities which don't… 1 day ago
- RT @CressidaCowell: Doing a LIVE EVENT for @homewith4indies at 2 pm today, see details below!! #supportindependentbookshops #readingismagic… 1 day ago
- The best news about our wonderful former laureate @MichaelRosenYes ❤️🌈 https://t.co/Bn2ztstrmq 4 days ago
- This new book from former #ChildrensLaureate @chrisriddell50 will no doubt have a place on many bookshelves 🙌 https://t.co/z8HfdWj5ef 5 days ago
- Not strictly Laureate-related, but if you fancy being part of a world record attempt today at 4pm, here is your chance! https://t.co/3eL7ZJbVIB 6 days ago