Title: How to Train Your Dragon
Author: Cressida Cowell
First published March 13, 2003
214 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316737371 (ISBN10: 0316737372)
Rating: 3.91
Overview
Meet Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the son of the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans. Hiccup is not like the other Vikings in his clan, he is quiet and thoughtful.
In order to prove himself, Hiccup must pass an important initiation test by catching and training a dragon. But can he do it without being torn limb from limb by the ferocious beast?
Join Hiccup on his thrilling adventures as he discovers a new way to train dragons and becomes a hero in his own right. This action-packed and hilariously entertaining novel, complete with stunning illustrations, has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide.
Don’t miss out on the modern classic that has stood the test of time.
About the Author
Cressida Cowell’s childhood was split between London and a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland. During her time on the island, she became convinced that dragons were living there, sparking her fascination with them.
After attending Oxford University for English Literature, St Martin’s for Graphic Design, and Brighton for Narrative Illustration, Cressida now writes and illustrates her own books, as well as writing books for others to illustrate. Her Hiccup series, which blends child-centered humor with beautiful prose, has been a hit with readers worldwide, with How to Train Your Dragon now published in over 30 languages.
The series has also been adapted into a DreamWorks Animation feature film. Cressida is also a Nestle Children’s Book Prize winner and has been shortlisted for many others.
She currently lives in Hammersmith with her husband and three children. To date, she has written 10 books in the Hiccup series, each one as thrilling and imaginative as the last.
Editoral Review
Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon, first published in 2003, is a delightful piece of children’s literature that has gone on to become a beloved classic. Cowell, who is also the illustrator of the book, has penned a heartwarming tale about a young Viking boy named Hiccup and his adventures with dragons.
The book, set in a small Viking village of Berk, follows Hiccup as he struggles to find his place in society. Growing up in a family of renowned dragon slayers, Hiccup is an unlikely hero.
Then, he discovers a rare and adorable dragon named Toothless, and their unlikely friendship takes flight. Hiccup must keep Toothless a secret from his fellow Vikings while learning to train his new companion.
While How to Train Your Dragon is a children’s book, it explores themes of identity, friendship, and acceptance that are universal across all ages. The book is laugh-out-loud funny but also touches upon deeper issues that are important for children and adults alike.
Cowell’s writing is witty and engaging. She successfully creates a world of Vikings and dragons that is both fun and captivating.
The book’s pacing is perfect, with Cowell creating a balance between humor and suspense. The characters are well-developed, and the relationship between Hiccup and Toothless is genuinely heartwarming.
Despite its fantasy setting, How to Train Your Dragon has a timeless quality to it, making it relatable even to contemporary readers. The story teaches important lessons about acceptance and non-conformity, which are critical for young readers to understand.
Cowell also highlights the importance of friendship, showing how it can transcend traditional boundaries. While How to Train Your Dragon has few flaws, some readers may view the story as predictable, with few twists or surprises.
However, Cowell’s writing style, engaging characters, and world-building more than make up for this shortcoming. Overall, How to Train Your Dragon is a charming, whimsical, and entertaining children’s book.
Its relatable themes, engaging characters, and intelligent humor make it enjoyable for readers of all ages. For fans of the movie adaption, the original book offers a unique and compelling experience with greater depth and detail.
How to Train Your Dragon earns a rating of 8/10, and is an excellent read for any young (or young-at-heart) reader looking for a delightful escape.
