The celebrated author will be meeting fans of the popular book series at Muswell Hill’s Children’s Bookshop tomorrow, says Kate Agnew.

The new school year is getting off to a very exciting start at the Children’s Bookshop with two fantastic author visits. The illustrious Cressida Cowell needs no introduction to Ham&High readers, many of whom have devoted fans amongst their young friends and family members. Her How To Train Your Dragon books are a rich and enticing series that combines gripping adventure with a thought-provoking exploration of some complex themes; the nature of heroism, the tricky relationships to be negotiated between parents and growing children, and the importance of integrity and friendship are all subtly interwoven into the pacey narratives. The series has proved enormously and deservedly popular and its followers, left on a tantalising cliffhanger at the end of the last book, have been eagerly awaiting the release of the final title in the series, How To Fight A Dragon’s Fury. The much-anticipated book is finally coming out on Tuesday September 8 so we are particularly thrilled that Cressida Cowell will be coming to join us to celebrate the new book on Monday September 7, the night before it is officially published. The event is specially timetabled to coincide with the end of the school day and will, we know, provide a welcome treat for children back to their first full week of school.

At the time of writing, little is known as to what shape Hiccup’s exploits will take in his final adventure and we are as keen as our customers to know what will next befall the unlikely hero and, like them, anxious at the dangerous prospects he faces and fearful for his future and all those who depend upon him. It’s incredibly exciting to know that not only will we be lucky enough to have the lovely Cressida Cowell here meeting her fans and signing her brand new book, our customers will be amongst the first in the country to know how the series ends.

Then, on Saturday September 12, we are privileged to have Alex T. Smith, author of the delightful Claude books, coming to sign. Smith’s stories of the loveable, beret-wearing dog and his best friend Sir Bobblysock (who is, indeed, a sock, much to the delight of his young audience) are hugely appealing for newly fluent readers. Their latest adventures see Claude and Sir Bobblysock potentially starring in a film, if only they can make themselves look right for the parts... Claude is extraordinarily endearing and it’s a real treat to have his creator joining us in honour of the new book. What better way for children to mark the start of a new school year than with meeting these very special authors?