The Art and Making of How to Train Your Dragon

by Jerry Schmitz

Fly alongside Hiccup and Toothless on the Isle of Berk with this unique look at the creation of Universal Pictures' How to Train Your Dragon—complete with never-before-seen concept art, exclusive interviews, and gorgeous on-set photography!

How to Train Your Dragon tells the incredible story of young Hiccup and his friendship with the formidable Night Fury Toothless on the stunning Isle of Berk. Writer-director Dean DeBlois returns to tell the young teenager’s story in a thrilling live-action reimagining, breathing new life into a beloved film.

Created in collaboration with Dean DeBlois, this deluxe book features hundreds of never-before-seen pieces of concept art, gorgeous images straight from the set, and exclusive interviews with key members of the cast and crew—including Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and returning actor Gerard Butler. This book takes readers on a comprehensive journey through the making of the film, detailing everything from the construction of sets and the creation of the film’s score to the process of bringing the dragons to life on-screen.

Including an exclusive preface by author Cressida Cowell and an introduction by Dean DeBlois, The Art and Making of How to Train Your Dragon will be sure to delight both new and returning fans of all ages.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art

208 pages, Hardcover

Published June 13, 2025

Reviews

[oohlalabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow so excited to have received this hard copy. My kids and I love the live action movie. This book is the behind the scenes look of how the movie was made, the cast, and all the people it took to make the movie. Thanks so much Goodreads and to the publisher!

[Savannah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of How to Train Your Dragon is an essential visual treasury for anyone who loves the film. It offers a rare and revealing look into the creative journey—from sketches to screen—of how vibrant worlds and characters are crafted. Whether you’re an animator, artist, or loyal fan, the book offers both inspiration and admiration for the collaborative magic of animation.

Highly recommended for art lovers and fans of the film.

[Bry Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautiful! I loved all of the behind the scenes photos and the sketches of each of the dragons :)

[Lynn Give 'Em Hel Vetica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool behind the scenes pictures but would have loved more concept art. There was some, but it would be amazing to have a whole book just full of concept art for the dragons, or a much longer section regarding that.

[Abby Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐