How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon, 1) - Hardcover

Cressida Cowell

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0316737372 ISBN 13: 9780316737371

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2004

Synopsis

Read the New York Times bestselling book that inspired the hit movies!

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the quiet and thoughtful son of the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans, tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan by catching and training a dragon. Can Hiccup do it without being torn limb from limb?

Join his adventures and misadventures as he finds a new way to train dragons--and becomes a hero. This action-packed, hilarious, and perfectly illustrated novel is a modern classic beloved by millions across the globe.

About this title

About the Author:

Cressida Cowell lives in London. She is the author of several picture books including, What Shall We Do With the Boo Hoo Baby?, Little Bo Peep's Library Book and Don't Do That, Kitty Killroy!--and the author of the New York Times bestselling How to Train your dragon series, which inspired the hit movie, as well as of The Wizards of Once.

From Publishers Weekly:

In this riotous paper-over-board farce, the timid protagonist from Cowell's picture book Hiccup: The Seasick Viking proves himself worthy of the sobriquet "Hope and Heir to the Tribe of the Hairy Hooligans." The protagonist is also given author credit (as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III), with Cowell billed as translator "from the Old Norse." Indeed, "Hiccup" contributes an introductory note: "I was not the sort of boy who could train a dragon with a mere lifting of an eyebrow. I was not a natural at the Heroism business. I had to work at it. This is the story of becoming a Hero the Hard Way." From his initial challenge—Hiccup and his fellow warriors-in-training must each pluck a dragon from a "Dragon Nursery" where 3,000 young critters are hibernating—the likable lad faces a host of hurdles and beats tremendous odds to emerge triumphant. After selecting a tiny, toothless dragon ("I shall call [my dragon] Fireworm," says nemesis Snotface Snotlout. "What are you going to call yours, Hiccup? Sweetums? Sugarlips? Babyface?"). Hiccup tackles the chore of training the stubborn creature, which leads to some fresh, funny dialogue between the two (Hiccup has the rare ability to speak "Dragonese"). A rollicking finale finds the duo rescuing Vikings from a ravenous, mountain-size dragon. Short chapters, clever slapstick, kid-pleasing character names (e.g., Fishlegs, Dogsbreath the Duhbrain) and goofy, childlike drawings will keep even reluctant readers turning these pages—and chuckling as they go. Ages 8-12.
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About this edition

• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0316737372
• ISBN 13: 9780316737371
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 224