dragons author drops in for book signing at castle newnham

Cressida Cowell is an English children’s author famous for her series of novels titled How to Train Your Dragon, which have also been turned into to three award winning films.

The final novel in the series, the 12th, has just been published and the children queued patiently to meet Cressida and have their copy signed.

The books were inspired by a combination of spending some of her childhood on a remote island off the coast of Scotland and a father who was a keen bird watcher.

Cressida said: “I grew up in London but as my dad was a keen birdwatcher we would often find ourselves on a island off the west coast of Scotland. There were Viking legends on the island and I read stories about dragons, as we had no electricity. That’s how the stories were born in my head.

“I particularly like book signing for children as I want to get them reading and hopefully meeting a writer inspires them to want to read and write. I am an ambassador for the National Literary Trust and passionate about getting children reading.

Ruth Wilkes, head teacher: said “The good news is that many more children are reading now, compared to 15 years ago, which has recently risen year by year.

“I think it very important for children to meet authors and writers in person, which will hopefully encourage them to both want to read and to write.

“We really appreciate the opportunity we’ve had to include a real-life author in our continuing work to encourage passionate and life-long readers. Our thanks go to Cressida and to parents and local bookshop owner Rachael Rogan for suggesting the visit.

“If any parents would like to talk to us about our all-through provision to 16 please do get in touch.”

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