The popular How to Train Your Dragon movies and TV shows actually started as a book series. British author Cressida Cowell wrote the original children’s novels that inspired DreamWorks’ animated films. The books have a different story but share the same fun spirit of adventure.
Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon book series began in 2003. It follows a young Viking named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III and his small dragon Toothless. The books are set in a fictional Viking world full of dragons and humor. The series ended in 2015 after 12 main books and several spin-offs.
DreamWorks Animation adapted the books into three movies starting in 2010. The films changed many details but kept key characters like Hiccup, Toothless, and Stoick the Vast. The movies became huge hits, earning over $1.6 billion worldwide. A live-action remake is coming in June 2025.
The books and movies have major differences. In the books, Toothless is tiny and talks in Dragonese. Hiccup’s friend Camicazi replaces Astrid from the films. The books also have more humor and quirky Viking traditions. Fans love both versions for their exciting stories and heartwarming friendships.
Cowell’s series sold over 7 million copies globally. It won awards for its clever writing and funny illustrations. The books are great for kids but enjoyable for all ages. David Tennant’s audiobook readings add extra fun with his lively voice acting.
The original book series includes these 12 main titles:
- How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
- How to Be a Pirate (2004)
- How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
- How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse (2006)
- How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale (2007)
- A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
- How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm (2008)
- How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (2009)
- How to Steal a Dragon’s Sword (2011)
- How to Seize a Dragon’s Jewel (2012)
- How to Betray a Dragon’s Hero (2013)
- How to Fight a Dragon’s Fury (2015)
Spin-off books include The Complete Book of Dragons, a guide to dragon species, and short stories like How to Train Your Viking. The latest addition, When the Windwalker Changed, came out in 2024.
DreamWorks expanded the franchise with TV shows like Dragons: Race to the Edge and Dragons: The Nine Realms. These follow new adventures but stay separate from the books. The upcoming live-action movie will revisit the first film’s story with real actors and CGI dragons.
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Fans of the movies should try the books for more laughs and adventures. The novels go deeper into Hiccup’s world with witty writing and charming sketches. Both versions celebrate bravery, friendship, and finding your own path.
