DreamWorks buys rights to new Cressida Cowell series

DreamWorks Animation, the company behind the highly successful film franchise for Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon series, has now acquired all adaptation rights to Cowell's forthcoming fantasy adventure series The Wizards of Once.

The first book in the new series, also titled The Wizards of Once, will be out in September from Hodder Children's Books, and from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in the US. The book is said by HCB to explore "a world of magic where wizards and warriors collide in a thrilling and enchanting adventure."

Chris Defaria, president of DreamWorks Feature Animation Group, said: "Cressida is part of the DreamWorks family, and with The Wizards of Once she once again anchors a new franchise for us. The story is packed with the perfect elements to create a unique magical universe inhabited by adventurous, funny and memorable characters that will enthral generations to come. We are honoured to have another opportunity to partner with this amazingly creative author."

Cowell said she was "thrilled" by the continuation of the partnership, saying of DreamWorks, "the artistry and technical wizardry of their creative team is simply unparalleled. DreamWorks are pushing the boundaries of what it is possible to achieve in animation, and they have the imagination, ambition and vision that every writer dreams of."

HCB senior publisher Anne McNeil said Cowell "has created a unique world, people with characters who will live on in the artistic canon for generations. We are thrilled that DreamWorks will be joining her on this journey."

Cowell is represented by Nicky Lund at David Higham Associates, Sylvie Rabineau at WME and attorney David Colden.