How to Train Your Dragon
Book 1 - Read the hilarious first book that inspired the films
📘 About This Book
Read the HILARIOUS books that inspired the HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON films! Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third is a smallish Viking with a longish name. Hiccup's father is chief of the Hairy Hooligan tribe which means Hiccup is the Hope and the Heir to the Hairy Hooligan throne - but most of the time Hiccup feels like a very ordinary boy, finding it hard to be a Hero. In the first How to Train Your Dragon book Hiccup must lead ten novices in their initiation into the Hairy Hooligan Tribe. They have to train their dragons or be BANISHED from the tribe FOR EVER! But what if Hiccup's dragon resembles an ickle brown bunny with wings? And has NO TEETH? The Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus is stirring and wants to devour every Viking on the Isle of Berk . . . Can Hiccup save the tribe - and become a Hero? How to Train Your Dragon is a major award-winning DreamWorks film series. There is also a new live action movie due to be released in 2025. The TV series, Riders of Berk, can be seen on CBeebies and Cartoon Network.
📖 Summary
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell is a hilarious and adventurous juvenile fiction novel that inspired the hit films, introducing readers to the unforgettable world of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third. As a smallish Viking with a rather longish name, Hiccup carries the heavy burden of being the son of the chief of the Hairy Hooligan tribe. This lineage means that Hiccup is the official Hope and the Heir to the Hairy Hooligan throne. Despite this grand destiny, Hiccup spends most of his time feeling like a very ordinary boy who simply finds it quite hard to live up to the demanding expectations of being a true Viking Hero. In this first installment of the series, Hiccup faces a monumental hurdle: he must successfully lead ten young novices through their vital initiation into the Hairy Hooligan Tribe. According to the strict traditions of the tribe, these novices must capture, raise, and train their very own dragons, or else face the ultimate punishment of being banished from the tribe forever. This rite of passage is already daunting for an ordinary boy, but Hiccup's challenges multiply when he ends up with a dragon that defies all traditional expectations of fierce Viking beasts. Instead of a terrifying monster breathing fire and showing rows of sharp fangs, Hiccup's captured dragon bears a striking resemblance to an ickle brown bunny with wings and remarkably possesses no teeth at all. This unusual and toothless companion complicates his initiation immensely, forcing Hiccup to rethink everything he knows about training dragons and earning respect. To make matters even worse, external threats are looming large over the Isle of Berk. The ancient and massive Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus is stirring from the depths and harbors a terrifying appetite to devour every single Viking on the island. With a toothless dragon by his side, a daunting tribal initiation hanging in the balance, and a gargantuan sea dragon threatening his entire home, Hiccup must dig deep within himself. The narrative follows this unlikely hero as he navigates the trials of leadership, friendship, and courage. Through wit, unorthodox methods, and unexpected bravery, Hiccup sets out to prove that being a hero does not always require the loudest roar or the fiercest beast. Ultimately, this charming and witty tale explores themes of identity, expectations, and the power of unconventional thinking in the face of insurmountable danger.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Hilarious and entertaining writing style that appeals to young readers.
Engaging protagonist who is easy to relate to and root for.
Creative world-building involving unique Viking traditions and dragons.
Action-packed plot featuring high stakes and a looming monster threat.
⚠️ Cons
The protagonist starts with very low self-confidence, which may frustrate readers wanting immediate action.
The whimsical and unconventional dragon may not satisfy readers looking for traditional fire-breathing monsters.
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who is the main character of the book? +
The main character is Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, the son of the chief of the Hairy Hooligan tribe.
What is Hiccup's main challenge in the story? +
Hiccup must lead ten novices in their tribal initiation by training their dragons, or face permanent banishment.
What is unusual about Hiccup's dragon? +
Hiccup's dragon resembles an ickle brown bunny with wings and has no teeth at all.
What major threat looms over the Isle of Berk? +
The Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus is stirring and wants to devour every Viking on the Isle of Berk.
Did this book inspire any films? +
Yes, this is the hilarious book that inspired the popular How to Train Your Dragon films.
