Waterstones Children's Laureate 2019 - 2022: Cressida Cowell
‘Books and reading are Magic. And this magic must be urgently available to absolutely everyone.’
CRESSIDA COWELL
It is our enormous pleasure to welcome Cressida Cowell as the 11th Waterstones Children’s Laureate, a unique post awarded biennially to an oustanding author or illustrator of children's books. Known to readers around the world for her wildly popular How to Train Your Dragon series, Cressida Cowell’s writing and illustration is steeped in myth, folklore and richly conjured fantasy. From her earliest picture books to her new Wizards of Once books, her work has married big ideas and fundamental themes with action-packed, humorous storytelling that leaves children spellbound.
‘I’m honoured to be chosen to be the 11th Waterstones Children’s Laureate and I will try and justify your trust by being a Laureate who fights for books and children’s interests with passion, conviction and action. Practical magic, empathy and creative intelligence, is the plan.’
CRESSIDA COWELL
Taking up the iconic silver medal from outgoing laureate Lauren Child, Cressida Cowell launches her two-year tenure with the Cressida Cowell Waterstones Children’s Laureate Charter, a ‘giant to-do list’ to help promote children’s access to books and to share the joy of reading, writing and imagination with young people around the country.
‘Cressida Cowell is a sparkling ambassador for children’s literature. Her combination of creativity, enthusiasm and determination are solid grounding to launch her new role.’
FLORENTYNA MARTIN, CHILDREN'S BUYER
The concluding instalment of Cressida Cowell’s rip-roaring fantasy series finds Xar and Wish close to fulfilling their quest and defeating the Kingwitch – but the final battle to save their world will prove to be the toughest task yet. Magical, thrilling and heartwarming, Never and Forever is the perfect send-off for the marvellous Wizards of Once series.
The How To Train Your Dragon Series
The Wizards of Once Series
The Emily Brown Series
The brain-child of the then Poet Laureate Ted Hughes – himself the author of many superb stories for children – and Michael Morpurgo, the post of Children’s Laureate was launched in 1999. Selected by a panel made up of librarians, critics, writers, literature development workers and booksellers, the role is awarded to an outstanding children’s author or illustrator with a passion for fostering a new generation of writers, artists and readers. As well as being a celebration of exceptional writing, the laureateship is a vital spearhead, advocating for children’s fundamental rights to read, write and access books through bookshops and libraries.
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