Cressida Cowell is one of the most successful children’s authors of modern times. Known for her How to Train Your Dragon series, she has built an impressive fortune over the years.
From book sales to media adaptations, Cowell’s wealth comes from a variety of income sources.
If you’ve been curious about Cressida Cowell net worth, her financial journey, and how her book series contributed to her success, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Cowell’s earnings, career highlights, and how her financial profile compares to other notable figures in the children’s book industry.
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 at $15 million as of 2025.
This wealth primarily stems from her best-selling books, such as How to Train Your Dragon and Emily Brown, along with the massive success of the movie adaptations and merchandise sales.
In comparison, Cowell’s net worth is impressive but not uncommon among successful children’s authors.
Similar figures in the industry like J.K. Rowling, Rick Riordan, and Jeff Kinney also boast net worths in the millions, thanks to their enduring franchises.
Some notable people/teams related to her financial success in the entertainment and literary world include:
- J.K. Rowling
- Rick Riordan
- Jeff Kinney
- DreamWorks Animation
- Neal Layton (Illustrator for Emily Brown series)
- The Wizards of Once series
- Nestlé Children’s Book Prize
- Royal Society of Literature (FRSL)
- Save the Children (where her husband worked)
- How to Train Your Dragon movie franchise
If you’re curious about how other celebrities compare financially, check out our list of the richest celebrities.
Cressida Cowell Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Much Does Cressida Cowell Earn from Her Book Series?
Cressida Cowell’s wealth is primarily driven by her book sales. The How to Train Your Dragon series alone has sold millions of copies worldwide, making it a significant contributor to her financial portfolio.
In addition to direct book sales, Cowell also earns from royalties, which continue to generate income as the series remains popular across various media platforms.
The book series has been adapted into multiple films, contributing a substantial amount to her wealth. This success is compounded by merchandise sales, such as toys, clothing, and other licensed products, which bring in additional revenue streams.
Financial Success Through the How to Train Your Dragon Media Franchise
The success of How to Train Your Dragon doesn’t stop at books; it extends into movies and even theme park attractions.
DreamWorks Animation’s adaptation of Cowell’s books into a successful animated movie series brought even more financial success.
The movies grossed over $1 billion worldwide, a portion of which contributes to Cowell’s earnings from royalties.
In addition to the films, the franchise’s merchandise and video games have continued to bring in consistent revenue.
The expanded universe of How to Train Your Dragon further solidified Cowell’s status as a financially successful author with a wide-ranging impact on pop culture.
Other Sources of Her ncome
Beyond her writing, Cowell’s wealth is augmented by her other literary works, such as the Emily Brown series, which has earned praise and multiple awards.
This series, illustrated by Neal Layton, helped establish her as a leading children’s author. While not as famous as How to Train Your Dragon, the series still contributes to her overall financial standing.
Additionally, Cowell’s work as an illustrator before she fully transitioned into writing likely also had a significant influence on her ability to diversify her income.
Her collaborations with various entities, such as her partnership with Nestlé Children’s Book Prize and others, add more to her earnings.
How Cressida Cowell’s Education and Career Influenced Her Financial Journey
Cressida Cowell’s educational background played a pivotal role in her financial success.
After studying English at Oxford and illustration at Saint Martin’s School of Art, Cowell developed a unique blend of storytelling and visual artistry.
This skill set allowed her to build a career that not only involved writing but also illustration, which resonated with readers and audiences worldwide.
Her childhood experiences, particularly summers spent on a small island off the coast of Scotland, contributed to her creativity and storytelling abilities, which ultimately shaped her career and financial achievements.
Her Personal and Family Life
While Cressida Cowell’s personal life isn’t as public as her professional one, her family background, including her father’s aristocratic status, has likely influenced her career choices and work ethic.
Cowell’s husband, Simon, who is a former CEO of Save the Children, has undoubtedly been a support in her personal and professional life.
Her family life, including her three children, also provides inspiration for her stories, particularly her Emily Brown series, which showcases her understanding of children’s concerns and experiences.
How Cressida Cowell’s Recognition and Awards Contribute to Her Financial Status
Cressida Cowell’s recognition in the literary world has certainly contributed to her financial standing.
In 2020, she was appointed an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to children’s literature. This prestigious recognition enhances her visibility, which in turn boosts her financial profile.
Furthermore, being elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2021 adds more prestige to her already successful career, likely leading to increased book sales and higher earnings from speaking engagements.
How the Emily Brown Series Has Impacted Cressida Cowell’s Earnings
The Emily Brown series, although not as commercially successful as How to Train Your Dragon, has still made a significant impact on Cowell’s wealth.
Winning the Nestlé Children’s Book Prize Gold Award helped solidify Cowell’s reputation as a top-tier children’s author.
The popularity of the series, particularly among younger readers, adds another revenue stream to her financial portfolio, with book sales continuing to grow.
The Financial Evolution of Cressida Cowell Over the Years
From a successful author to a prominent figure in children’s literature, Cowell’s financial journey has evolved steadily over time.
Initially, her books found moderate success, but as How to Train Your Dragon gained traction, her income grew exponentially.
Her ability to adapt to various forms of media, including film and merchandise, has made her one of the most financially successful children’s authors in recent years.
Conclusion
Cressida Cowell’s financial success is a result of her hard work, creativity, and ability to diversify her income streams.
From book royalties to media adaptations, Cowell’s net worth has grown significantly. For more detailed articles on celebrity wealth, feel free to explore more content on aupeo.com.
