VIDEO: How to Train Your Dragon author Cressida Cowell inspires next generation of writers during talk to 500 pupils at event hosted by St Andrew’s School, Pangbourne

The award-winning author of How to Train Your Dragon has been inspiring the next generation of writers.

The multi-million-copy selling former Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell, visited St Andrew’s School in Pangbourne to talk about her exciting journey as a writer and illustrator and revealed the inspiration behind her much-loved children’s books.

Around 500 pupils from other primary schools including Basildon, Bradfield, Bucklebury, Englefield, Hampstead Norreys, Hermitage, Pangbourne, Thatcham Park and Whitchurch also took part in the event.

Co-hosted by Fourbears Books (Caversham), the talk saw Ms Cowell discuss her initial childhood struggles with English, but it still didn’t stop her from being a writer.

“My handwriting was terrible and my spelling wasn’t very good either and that’s what I thought being a writer was all about,” she told the children.

Best known for her How to Train Your Dragon, The Wizards of Once and Emily Brown books, she shared details with pupils of her new books - Which Way Round the Galaxy and How to Train Your Dragon: Dragon Tales - and drew St Andrew’s Pre-Prep a very special Toothless and Hiccup illustration for them to keep.

Head of English at St Andrew’s, Sophie Hearn, said: “Having a literary icon like Cressida Cowell with us today is a dream come true. It was a privilege that 500 children from St Andrew’s and nine other local schools could hear about why and how Cressida started writing, and learn more about her new books too.

“An enormous thank you to Alex Forbes for arranging her visit.”

Alex Forbes, owner of Fourbears Books, added: “We are delighted that so many children saw Cressida Cowell [last week] and now have signed copies of her books.

“Thank you to St Andrew’s, particularly Mrs Hearn, for hosting such a special event, and thanks to Hachette Children’s Group for this opportunity.”

Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation are making a live-action movie of How to Train Your Dragon!, due to hit the screens in March 2025.

Pictures and video by Phil Cannings.