Who wrote the original How to Train Your Dragon book series?

Cressida Cowell wrote the original How to Train Your Dragon book series.

Cowell’s first novel, How to Train Your Dragon, was published in 2003. The books follow Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a Viking boy who becomes a hero through intelligence, persistence, and empathy rather than physical strength. Cowell also illustrated the books.

The DreamWorks films use the books as source material but are not direct scene-by-scene adaptations. The novels have different storylines, character designs, dragon relationships, and supporting characters. For example, the book series presents a broader comic fantasy world and gives Hiccup a different relationship with dragons than the films do.

The book series continued for twelve main novels, ending with How to Seize a Dragon’s Jewel in 2015. Cowell’s work inspired not only the animated films but also television productions, stage adaptations, and other franchise material.