Cressida Cowell, best known for her How to Train Your Dragon series, has carved a name for herself in children’s literature.
As a successful author and illustrator, Cressida has earned substantial wealth through book sales, film adaptations, and merchandising.
In this article, we dive deep into Cressida Cowell net worth and explore how her career and diverse income streams have contributed to her financial success.
Cressida Cowell Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Cressida Cowell |
| Popular Name | Cressida Cowell |
| Birth Date | April 15, 1966 |
| Age | 58 years old (as of 2/15/2025) |
| Birthplace | London, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | British |
| Education | English at Keble College, Oxford; Illustration at Saint Martin’s School of Art |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Simon (former director of Save the Children) |
| Children | Maisie, Clementine, and Alexander |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Marcia Persephone Hare, Michael Hare, 2nd Viscount Blakenham |
| Height | N/A |
| Net Worth | $15 million (estimated 2025) |
| Source of Wealth | Books, book adaptations, royalties, media rights |
What is the Net Worth of Cressida Cowell in 2025?
Cressida Cowell’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million in 2025. This places her in the ranks of successful children’s authors.
When compared to other prominent figures in the literary and entertainment industry, her wealth is substantial, particularly given her success with How to Train Your Dragon—a series that extended far beyond books into films, merchandise, and theme park attractions.
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If you’re curious about the financials of other famous personalities, check out our article on the richest celebrities.
Cressida Cowell Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does Cressida Cowell Earn from Her Book Series?
Cressida Cowell’s primary source of income comes from her book series, with How to Train Your Dragon being the crown jewel.
The series has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been adapted into a major media franchise, which includes animated films, TV shows, and merchandise.
The success of these adaptations has greatly contributed to her earnings, with the revenue generated from licensing deals and merchandise sales.
Aside from How to Train Your Dragon, Cressida’s Emily Brown series and other works such as The Wizards of Once also contribute to her overall earnings.
These works have their own loyal following and are a testament to her versatility as an author and illustrator.
What Contributed to Cressida Cowell’s Financial Success?
The main contributor to Cressida Cowell’s financial success has undoubtedly been her book series, but it’s her brand expansion that has made her a financial powerhouse
. Her partnership with DreamWorks Animation turned How to Train Your Dragon into a globally successful franchise, providing a steady stream of revenue.
Additionally, Cressida’s awards and recognition in the literary world have also had a huge impact. In 2020, she was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), an honor which reflects her contribution to children’s literature.
The Nestlé Children’s Book Award she won in 2006 for That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown also boosted her profile.
Her collaborations with Neal Layton on the Emily Brown series added another layer to her wealth.
These collaborations have been commercially successful and have helped further establish her as a reputable children’s author.
Her Source of Wealth and Income Streams
Cressida Cowell’s wealth comes from several diverse income streams. Of course, the bulk of her earnings comes from her book sales.
However, the revenue from book adaptations—particularly the film and TV adaptations of How to Train Your Dragon—cannot be ignored.
These adaptations, including merchandising and licensing deals, have earned Cressida a significant amount.
Furthermore, Cressida’s public speaking engagements, where she shares her experiences as an author and her journey in the literary world, are another source of income.
Children’s book tours, participation in festivals, and speaking events bring in additional revenue streams, alongside her growing portfolio of other book projects.
Financial Standing and Lifestyle
Cressida Cowell has achieved financial independence and stability, which she shares with her family. Despite her significant wealth, she leads a relatively low-key life, living in London with her husband, Simon, and their three children.
Her upbringing as the daughter of Michael Hare, 2nd Viscount Blakenham, likely gave her a sense of financial security from an early age, contributing to her overall comfort in the literary world.
Her philanthropic efforts, especially her association with Save the Children, further align her financial standing with a sense of purpose.
Cressida’s financial lifestyle is one of success, supported by her literary and business ventures.
How Much Does Cressida Cowell Make from How to Train Your Dragon Adaptations?
The film adaptations of How to Train Your Dragon have played a crucial role in increasing Cressida Cowell’s income.
The global success of these films, combined with merchandising and spin-off TV shows, has undoubtedly brought in significant earnings for her.
The franchise continues to expand, creating new avenues for income, whether through themed merchandise, video games, or future film installments.
Cressida’s involvement in these adaptations ensured that she benefited financially from the global success of the franchise.
The films have brought attention to her books, which in turn boosted her income from book sales.
Her Earnings from Other Projects and Ventures
In addition to her writing, Cressida has explored multiple creative ventures. Her illustration work in the Emily Brown series, as well as her other literary projects, adds another stream of revenue.
Cressida’s versatility as both a writer and illustrator means that she can draw income from multiple creative outlets.
Her ongoing work on The Wizards of Once series, which has been quite successful in its own right, is another source of income.
Cressida’s ability to diversify her projects has allowed her to continue growing her financial portfolio.
Conclusion
Cressida Cowell has built a successful financial portfolio through her literary work, adaptations, and creative projects.
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