How to Train Your Dragon: questions to ask and activities to try
Hiccup must train his small, naughty dragon, Toothless. How to Train Your Dragon is the hilarious book that inspired the films.
What age is it for? How to Train Your Dragon is best for ages 8–11. Good for: A smallish Viking and his very naughty dragon.
How to Train Your Dragon (Cressida Cowell)
- Age
- 8-11
- Best for
- A smallish Viking and his very naughty dragon
Read a chapter a night. Talk about how Hiccup succeeds by being different, not by being the biggest.
What it helps with
- Being different
- Confidence
- Cleverness over strength
- Adventure novels
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Who is Hiccup?”
- “What must he do?”
- “What’s Toothless like?”
- “How did he train him?”
- “What did Hiccup learn?”
- “What would your dragon be like?”
5-minute activities to try together
Dragon guide
Write a guide to training a dragon.
Viking name
Invent a long Viking name for yourself.
Free printables: How to Train Your Dragon worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Boy Who Grew Dragons (Andy Shepherd and Sara Ogilvie)
- Best for
- Growing a dragon in Grandad's garden
- Age
- 6-9
The Dragonsitter (Josh Lacey and Garry Parsons)
- Best for
- Looking after Uncle Morton's dragon
- Age
- 6-9
Arthur and the Golden Rope (Joe Todd-Stanton)
- Best for
- A small, bookish boy who saves his village
- Age
- 6-9
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.