Bestselling author Cressida Cowell MBE inspires young readers at Yarm

Yarm School was delighted to welcome Cressida Cowell MBE, the number one bestselling author-illustrator, for a special event at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium.

An audience of 675 pupils from 13 local schools, including Yarm Prep School, gathered for the opportunity to hear from the celebrated author. With warmth and enthusiasm, Cressida spoke about her passion for storytelling, creativity, and the magic of books. As Children’s Laureate from 2019 to 2022, she has been a tireless advocate for children’s literacy, encouraging young people to develop their imaginations and create their own stories.

During her talk, Cressida shared the inspiration behind her much-loved How to Train Your Dragon series, a collection that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. She took pupils on a journey through the creative process, from the first spark of an idea to the thrilling moment when the books were transformed into the blockbuster DreamWorks film franchise. She also introduced her latest series, Which Way to Anywhere, offering a glimpse into the world of daring magical adventures and unforgettable characters.

The event was a fantastic opportunity for children to engage with a renowned author, sparking excitement for reading and writing. Pupils left feeling inspired, keen to put pen to paper and start crafting their own imaginative tales.

A huge thank you to all the schools who joined us, as well as to Drake The Bookshop and Cressida Cowell for an unforgettable and inspiring afternoon. We look forward to welcoming more authors to Yarm in the future!