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Cressida Cowell is the new 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.

Books are transformative because of their unique ability to develop three key magical powers: intelligence, creativity and, most important of all, empathy. Words are power; let’s take magic seriously.
Cressida Cowell
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This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, originally created by Poet Laureate Ted Hughes and author Michael Morpurgo. 

The "League of Laureates" – including Quentin Blake, Malorie Blackman and Jacqueline Wilson – are the foremost representatives of children’s literature, showcasing the extraordinary and dynamic art form and its rich contribution to UK culture.