ON WEDNESDAY, a bookshop in Reading welcomed the author behind a prolific book, film, and television series.
Cressida Cowell MBE, writer of the acclaimed How To Train Your Dragon books and Childrens Laureate from 2019-2022, joined young readers at Waterstones on Broad Street to celebrate the release of her latest novel.
Which Way to Anywhere is her latest work and follows K2 and his twin sister Izzabird as they struggle to keep their magical familial history a secret.
Youngsters and their families queued to meet Ms Cowell, ask questions, take pictures, and get their copies of her books signed.
First in line at the shop was 9-year-old Leo, who, as well as getting his copies of her books signed, shared his own writing with the author.
Ms Cowell read through his work and offered advice and encouragement to help develop his writing skill before posing for a photo.
She spoke to Amber, 13, who also asked for advice in honing her creative writing, and also signed copies for parents whose children were fans of the series, including Maleesha, who was picking up a copy for her daughter, Eliyana.
It followed an event earlier that morning where Layton Park School more than 200 students, including those from other schools around Reading, to meet Ms Cowell.
Ms Cowell said of meeting her readers: “I really missed it during the pandemic, because I love it.
“When I’m writing and illustrating, I’m tucked away in my shed at the bottom of the garden, so you’re all on your own.
“So getting out and meeting your readers and their families is so lovely.”
She also explained that she enjoys helping younger audiences to embrace printed media and stories: “We’re competing with such incredible television and films, so I love to hear them getting excited about books.
“We’re really making an effort to help them be open to reading, because it’s different to films and TV: you have to decode a book, and it’s not just beamed in.”
Adaptations can also be a more gradual way of helping children get into books too: “Once they’re into a book, they are that character, and they absolutely love that engagement.
“It’s just about getting them there, and that’s what it’s all about, and that’s what I try to concentrate on.
“As parents and writers, we want them to love it, and there’s a few ways into it– my books are read by David Tennant for the audio copies.
“This means that even children who struggle with dyslexia, for example, have a way in: through the film adaptation, into audio books, and eventually into reading.”
As for her favourite part of the process, she said: “Seeing them getting excited and fielding their questions.
“And when someone says they love your books, it’s a real privilege– I’m very lucky to have this job.”
Waterstones hosts a number of authors and book events, including Jo Nesbo, who will be visiting the Broad Street branch to discuss his latest book with Jake Kerridge on Tuesday, May 23.
More details about that event, as well as upcoming events, are available via: waterstones.com/events
