How to Train Your Dragon author set to visit Portsmouth for new book launch

A BESTSELLING children's writer will launch her new book in Portsmouth.
Cressida Cowell. Photo: Debra Hurford BrownCressida Cowell. Photo: Debra Hurford Brown
Cressida Cowell. Photo: Debra Hurford Brown

Author-illustrator Cressida Cowell is set to appear at Portsmouth Grammar School in September.

She is best-known for her 12-book fantasy series, How to Train Your Dragon – which has sold over eight million copies worldwide.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was later adapted into an award-winning DreamWorks film franchise and Netflix television series.

Cressida's new bookCressida's new book
Cressida's new book

In an event to be held on Tuesday, September 26, Cressida will provide a talk for her fans, setting aside time to sign their copies of her new book The Wizards of Once.

The experience at the grammar school’s David Russell Theatre has been organised in partnership with The Hayling Island Bookshop.

Events manager for the independent store, Colin Telford, said: ‘It will be a great event. We have worked with Cressida before and she really is a very pleasant woman.

‘She is a stellar writer who draws huge crowds.’

Cressida's new bookCressida's new book
Cressida's new book
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Centred around a boy wizard named Xar, The Wizards of Once will welcome young readers into a world of magic and forrestry – set in the woods of the Sussex South Downs.

The new series of books could be set to follow in the footsteps of its fire-breathing predecessor, with DreamWorks already snapping up its silver-screen adaptation rights.

Speaking about her goal as a writer, Cressida said: ‘To look through the cool, clear eyes of a child – for children are interested in the truly important things in life.

‘Heroism, wilderness, our relationship with the natural world, death, love, spirituality and adventure.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tickets to the launch event at 5pm on Tuesday, September 26 cost £12.99 and entitle attendees to a copy of Cressida’s new book.

These can be booked by calling The Hayling Island Bookshop on 023 9246 6620.

All children must be accompanied by an adult, who will be admitted free entry.

The News hopes to put readers’ questions to Cressida in an interview at the launch.

To submit a question, email [email protected], using ‘Cressida Cowell’ as the subject line.