How to Train Your Dragon (novel series)

How to Train Your Dragon is a 2003 children's book by British author Cressida Cowell, and published by Hodder Children's Books (a division of Hodder Headline Limited). A sequel, which continues the plot, has been released but has the name "How To Be A Pirate", as part of Hiccup's adventures.

DreamWorks Animation SKG has contracted to do an adaptation of the book, to be released in 2010.

Plot

The book is about the adventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III - The teenage son of a Viking chieftain, who must capture a Dragon for a rite of passage. Set on the Isle Of Berk (next to North Island, Meathead Island and Cannibal Isle), a group of 10 youths of the Hooligan tribe (from Hooligan Village), are being lead by "Gobber the Belch" to perform their first military operation -- To catch their own Dragon. Those who are not able to catch and train a dragon are exiled from the tribe. This military operation has to be done by every Hooligan - with the military op being culture and tradition of the Hooligans - a test known as "The Dragon Initiation Programme".

At the eastern coast of the Isle Of Berk, an area known as "Wild Dragon Cliff" and among the youths is Hiccup himself, his friend Fishlegs, Tuffnut Jr., Speedifist, and all 3 of Hiccup's enemies; Warthog, Snotlout and Dogsbreath the Duhbrain. Since the early morning, Hiccup had felt ill and felt no better in this snowy area, but Gobber placed Hiccup in charge regardless - Must to the dismay of Snotlout and Dogsbreath who refer to Hiccup as "Hiccup the Useless". By using their dragon baskets, each enter the cave to catch their Dragon, but Hiccup is nervous and wants to make his father proud and his enemies (most notably Dogsbreath) jealous by catching a powerful Dragon - Most probably a Vicious Nightmare.

However, he only manages to get a Basic Brown (also known as a Garden or Common Dragon) and is forced to rush out of the cave as one of the boys had woken up some of the Dragons. However, Hiccup's best friend, Fishlegs, escapes without a Dragon. Hiccup doesn't want his friend to be exiled and thus hands him his Dragon and runs back in to get another andso they all finally manage to escape, each with their own Dragon.

With all the Dragons awakening, they have no other option but to jump of the cliff and into the sea, where they reach safety. On returning to the Village, Hiccup notices his Dragon, in his basket and still asleep, is incredibly small. Gobber advises the youths to train their Dragons by using the "How To Train Your Dragon" book from the Hooligan Library.