Create magical creatures with Cressida Cowell

This writing unit kicks off with a virtual author visit from Cressida Cowell, full of warmth, wisdom, and wizardry. Pupils hear how she mixes real memories, research, and imagination to spark stories that really stick.

Inspired by The Wizards of Once and How to Train Your Dragon, pupils create their own magical creatures. There’s no wrong way to do it, just bold ideas, big imaginations, and plenty of fun. Cowell’s reminder that children are magic makes every task feel possible.

Teaching overview

Across five lively sessions, children move from inspiration to finished story.

The sequence begins with short, curated podcast clips. The children explore how everyday experiences can become extraordinary tales. Then they research real creatures and twist them into something completely new.

Next comes sketching and annotating. Pupils play with rich vocabulary, senses, similes, and snappy adjectives. A close look at the Tatzelwurm extract from The Wizards of Once: Never and Forever helps them see how actions and speech reveal character.

With planning sheets and a buzzing Working Wall, they craft descriptions that pop. They refine verbs, sharpen metaphors, and make their creatures feel alive.

Finally, children write in role, exploring their creature’s feelings. Sharing ideas and peer feedback helps every draft grow stronger.

By the end, classrooms are bursting with magical creatures and proud young authors ready to keep creating long after the Author in Your Classroom podcast with Cressida Cowell finishes.