The Honourable Cressida Cowell MBE FRSL (née Hare, born 15 April 1966) is a renowned British author best known for her book series How to Train Your Dragon, which has become a celebrated media franchise adapted by DreamWorks Animation. As of 2015, the series has sold more than seven million copies globally.

In addition to her acclaimed dragon series, Cowell collaborates with illustrator Neal Layton on the ongoing series of Emily Brown stories. The first book in this series, That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown, won the Nestlé Children’s Book Award.

Cressida Cowell grew up in London and on a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland. Her fascination with dragons began during her childhood, convinced they inhabited the island. She holds a BA in English Literature from Oxford University, a BA in Graphic Design from St Martin's, and an MA in Narrative Illustration from Brighton. Cressida enjoys illustrating her own work and collaborating with other illustrators for inspiring results. Her popular Hiccup series is published in over 30 languages, garnering an international readership.