How to Train Your Dragon (novel series)

The How to Train Your Dragon novel series is a series of twelve children's books written and illustrated by British author Cressida Cowell. The series chronicles the adventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a Viking boy who is not traditionally strong or skilled, and his dragon, Toothless.

The overarching narrative revolves around Hiccup's growth from a reluctant and often clumsy member of the Hairy Hooligan Tribe to a heroic leader and dragon master. The books are written in a diary format, presented as Hiccup's personal memoirs, filled with humorous anecdotes, fantastical adventures, and illustrations attributed to Hiccup himself.

A key theme throughout the series is the importance of understanding and empathy, particularly between humans and dragons, who are often portrayed as complex and intelligent creatures. The books explore themes of friendship, courage, leadership, and the value of unconventional intelligence.

The setting is a fictional archipelago populated by Vikings and a wide variety of dragons. The world is characterized by its harsh climate, Viking traditions, and the ever-present threat of dragon attacks. Each book introduces new dragon species, Viking customs, and challenges for Hiccup to overcome.

The How to Train Your Dragon novel series differs significantly from the DreamWorks Animation film franchise of the same name, sharing only character names and a basic premise. The books feature a more extensive and diverse range of dragons and a darker, more historically-rooted Viking world. The plotlines of the books and the films diverge considerably after the first installments.