Book Week is the one dress-up day where the story matters more than the costume, and that takes a lot of pressure off. A child doesn't need bought pieces or real sewing skills to be a convincing character. Everyday clothes, cardboard, felt, a little face paint and the book itself usually do it. When I plan these with families, I think about three practical things first: the school's rules, how long the parade walk is, and whether the child will sit happily in it through a math lesson. The list below runs from classic storybook heroes to picture-book animals, with ideas for different ages and budgets. If a character is less well known, carrying the matching book settles any confusion.
A One-Evening Tunic That Covers a Dozen Characters
Look down this list and you'll see the same shape again and again: Peter Pan, the Paper Bag Princess, Little Miss Sunshine, Elmer, the Tin Man's vest. They're all a simple slip-on tunic. I make these for school days with no pattern, and a beginner can do it in an evening.
- Measure from the child's shoulder to where you want the hem, usually mid-thigh or knee, and double it. Measure across the chest and add a few inches of ease.
- Cut one long rectangle to that size from felt, fleece or a cotton that doesn't fray much.
- Fold it in half across the width and cut a head opening at the fold. Start small, an oval about the width of the child's face, and enlarge it after a test fit.
- Slip it on and pin the sides under each arm, leaving generous armholes. Stitch, tie or fasten the sides with fabric tape.
- Shape the hem last: zigzags for Peter, a crumpled edge for the princess, or round the corners for Little Miss Sunshine.
Felt and fleece need no hemming at all, which is why I reach for them first. A woven cotton will fray, so either zigzag the edge on a machine or use iron-on hem tape.
1. Matilda Book Week Costume
Matilda feels like regular school clothes, which is exactly why kids who dislike costumes agree to her. A short-sleeved blue dress, or a blue top with a knee-length skirt, then white ankle socks and black Mary Janes. Natural hair stays neat with a red ribbon or headband, and a few light freckles are optional. The prop is books, but I'd send one lightweight hardcover rather than a tall stack; small arms get tired fast on a long parade. A cardboard library card tucked inside adds a nice detail, and a cardigan goes over or under the dress on a cool day.
2. Where’s Wally Book Week Costume
Where's Wally is cheap, quick and understood by every age group. A red-and-white striped long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans or dark pants, and red or white sneakers built for a full day. Add the red-and-white knit hat and round black costume glasses; if the glasses are lens-free frames, kids will actually keep them on. Hair tucks under the hat and the face stays clean. A rolled-cardboard walking cane is fun, but leave it at home if the school discourages long props. A search-and-find book under the arm explains everything, and friends can join as Wenda, Wizard Whitebeard and the rest of the puzzle-book crew.
3. The Cat In The Hat Book Week Costume
Start with a black long-sleeved top, black pants and black sneakers. The fluffy chest is a large oval of white felt, and I cut it with a slightly wavy edge so it reads as fur rather than a neat label. The striped top hat can be bought or rolled from lightweight cardstock, but put elastic on it either way, because a tall hat on a moving child tips the second they look down. A red bow tie goes under the collar. Hair hides under the hat, or try a short fuzzy black wig. Draw a small black nose and three whiskers per cheek in washable face paint, add white gloves, and let the book be the only prop.
4. Thing One Book Week Costume
A red tracksuit is the quickest Thing One base I know, since the top and bottom already match. Cut a white felt circle, letter “Thing 1” in bold black, and fix it to the chest with removable fabric tape so the tracksuit goes back to normal on Monday. Red sneakers or plain white sneakers survive recess. The electric-blue wig is the strongest clue. Blue hair spray works too if the school permits it, though it can leave a tint on pale or bleached hair for a wash or two. Pink cheeks and a little blue eyeshadow keep the face cheerful. A friend in a matching “Thing 2” outfit makes the pair.
5. Very Hungry Caterpillar Book Week Costume
Felt circles turn a plain green outfit into the caterpillar, and the base can be anything green: a sweatshirt with leggings, joggers or pants. Overlap the circles in several greens down the front or back. I'd use fabric glue or tape on the circles but stitch the antennae, because pipe cleaners covered in felt get fiddled with all day. The headpiece is a red beanie with two soft purple or brown antennae and big green paper eyes, which saves putting heavy paint on the face. Rosy cheeks and a tiny smile are enough. Cardboard fruit with “bite” holes cut out makes the prop.
6. Alice In Wonderland Book Week Costume
Alice needs no real sewing at all. Find a knee-length pale blue dress that lets her run, then a white apron over it, with a short-sleeved white blouse underneath if you want more coverage. White tights or ankle socks and black Mary Janes. Long hair goes loose with a wide black ribbon headband, or a straight blond wig if she wants a closer match; I'd test-wear a wig for an hour at home first, since some kids find them hot and scratchy. Soft pink blush and natural lips. A plush white rabbit, a cardboard playing card on the apron pocket, and the book make it clear which Alice she is.
7. Mad Hatter Book Week Costume
This is the thrift-store character, where clothes in odd colors become an advantage. A bright button-down, patterned vest, cropped jacket and mismatched pants or a knee-length skirt, then striped socks and lace-up boots or sneakers. The top hat matters most: ribbon, feathers, paper flowers and a handmade price card tucked into the band. For hair, a curly orange wig, or a few sections sprayed washable orange. Rosy cheeks, colorful shadow and drawn-on orange brows are playful without going theatrical. A plastic teacup or cardboard clock is classroom-safe. Glue every hat decoration twice, since feathers and flowers tend to drop off one by one during the day.
8. White Rabbit Book Week Costume
The White Rabbit is always late, so the pocket watch is the piece I'd spend time on. Make it from two cardboard circles covered in metallic paper, with a hand-drawn face and a short ribbon instead of a chain. The outfit is a white shirt, red vest, dark shorts or pants and a bright blue or black jacket, with white tights or long socks running down to black school shoes or loafers. Add a soft ear headband and a small pom-pom tail. On the face, white around the nose, pink cheeks and fine whiskers. A small bow tie tidies it up, and the jacket comes off easily when the classroom warms up.
9. Peter Pan Book Week Costume
A long green T-shirt with a zigzag hem is the whole of Peter's tunic. I cut the zigzag with the shirt laid flat and folded in half, so both sides come out even. Layer it over green leggings, brown pants or shorts with opaque tights, belt it with brown fabric, and add soft brown ankle boots or sneakers. The pointed cap is green felt with one light red feather. Short tousled hair suits him; longer hair tucks into the cap. A dusting of bronzer or a few dots of face paint give outdoorsy freckles. A felt pouch or cardboard map stands in for anything action-themed, and the book seals it.
10. Wendy Darling Book Week Costume
Wendy is a soft, comfortable choice for a child who likes long dresses. A blue nightgown-style dress, a modest blue maxi, or a blue blouse with a flowing skirt, plus a waist ribbon, white socks and black flats. Loose curls or a low ponytail with a pale blue bow; a brown wig is optional, and she reads fine with any hair color. Light makeup only. A small storybook, a teddy bear or a cardboard silhouette of a flying child for the prop. The one thing I'd insist on is the hem: it should finish clearly above the ankle, because a nightgown length is made for bed, not for stairs and a parade route.
11. Mary Poppins Book Week Costume
A crisp white blouse, a dark midi skirt and a fitted black jacket give Mary Poppins her shape. Add opaque tights, low-heeled black boots or lace-ups, and a red bow tie for that small pop of color. Hair goes in a neat low bun, or under a dark wig pinned beneath a small black hat with artificial daisies. Rosy cheeks and a soft red lip tint keep the makeup school-friendly. Check the rules before sending a real umbrella; a flat cardboard umbrella with a curved handle is a good stand-in and can't poke anyone. A roomy carpet-style tote or floral bag holds the book.
12. Paddington Bear Book Week Costume
Paddington's coat and hat keep a child warm, which is why I recommend him for a chilly parade. A blue duffle coat or plain blue jacket over brown pants, with red rain boots, red shoes or sneakers wrapped in removable red fabric. The floppy red hat is the main clue. A small brown nose and a few whiskers suggest the bear without full-face makeup, and felt ears can go on the hat. Make the luggage tag from cardstock and write “Please look after this bear” on it in a child's own handwriting, then tie it to the coat with ribbon. A small, light suitcase or lunch box carries the book.
13. Peter Rabbit Book Week Costume
Peter Rabbit is easy from everyday clothes, as long as you find the blue jacket. Start with a white, gray or light brown shirt and matching pants or leggings, then a bright blue cardigan or button-front jacket over the top. Brown boots or neutral sneakers. Long ears on a fabric headband, a small pom-pom tail on the pants, and a pink nose, pale cheeks and fine whiskers in washable face paint. Fabric headbands sit more comfortably than plastic ones over a whole day, which matters for kids who get headaches. A small basket of felt carrots is the prop. Skip real food, and carry the picture book.
14. Little Red Riding Hood Book Week Costume
Give a simple dress a red cape and she's Red Riding Hood. The base can be a white blouse with a dark skirt, a gingham dress or any plain dress. Layer a knee-length hooded cape over it and tie it loosely at the neck. I'd swap the tie for a strip of hook-and-loop tape if you can, so it comes apart if it's ever yanked. White tights and brown ankle boots or black school shoes. Two braids, soft curls or low pigtails under the hood, plus pink cheeks and a few freckles. The basket holds a folded cloth, a light book and felt bread, and the cape must stay short enough not to drag.
15. Goldilocks Book Week Costume
Goldilocks works from a yellow dress, a white blouse with a pinafore, or a floral skirt with a soft cardigan. White ankle socks and brown Mary Janes give the storybook finish. Blond curls, two loose pigtails, or a golden wig pinned back from the face. A few freckles and rosy cheeks. Carry a small empty bowl and wooden spoon for the porridge scene, light and smooth-edged, and put three tiny plush bears in a basket or on a cardboard display. If she needs warmer layers, I'd pick cream tights and a brown cardigan, which keep to the same woodland colors instead of breaking up the look.
16. Dorothy Book Week Costume
Dorothy looks polished with very little assembly. A blue gingham pinafore over a short-sleeved white blouse, white ankle socks, and red shoes. Glitter shoes are the famous version, but red sneakers or plain red flats are safer and kinder to the classroom floor. Two braids finished with blue ribbons, or a brown braided wig. Keep makeup natural. The main prop is a small plush dog in a light wicker basket, and a strip of yellow cardboard brick road wrapped around the basket is a clever touch. Check for loose glitter anywhere on the costume; it travels from one child to the whole class within an hour.
17. Tin Man Book Week Costume
The Tin Man is the costume where I most often have to talk parents out of cardboard tubes. They look right in photos, but a child can't bend an elbow or sit down in them. Use a gray long-sleeved shirt and matching sweatpants, then a silver vest or tunic in metallic fabric, and silver or gray sneakers. Soft silver felt circles at the elbows and knees suggest the joints. The funnel hat is flexible silver cardstock on an elastic headband, with hair tucked under. A little silver face paint on cheeks and nose, keeping the eyes and mouth clear. A red felt heart, carried or pinned on, is the prop.
18. Willy Wonka Book Week Costume
Willy Wonka is a dark-pants-and-white-shirt base with a lot of personality on top. Add a patterned vest, a purple coat or long blazer and an oversized bow tie, with black boots, loafers or polished sneakers. A short wavy brown wig, or natural hair styled back under a tall top hat. Rosy blush and defined brows rather than heavy makeup. A rolled-cardboard cane only if allowed; otherwise give him an oversized handmade golden ticket. A wrapped cardboard candy bar is another easy prop. I keep all the sweets fake, partly for allergies and partly because real chocolate in a warm pocket ruins a coat.
19. Charlie Bucket Book Week Costume
Charlie is for the child who wants to take part but hates hats, masks, bulky outfits and face paint. A knitted sweater over a collared shirt, brown or charcoal pants and well-worn sneakers, plus a simple jacket or newsboy cap if he'll wear one. Hair natural and a little tousled, with makeup skipped entirely. The costume depends on the golden ticket, so make it big, from metallic cardstock with hand-drawn lettering. Pair it with an empty paper candy wrapper or the novel itself, and a small fabric shoulder bag to hold the props during lessons.
20. Fantastic Mr. Fox Book Week Costume
Mr. Fox is a gentleman, so the clothes should be smart rather than animal-shaped. An orange or brown long-sleeved shirt, brown pants, a fitted vest or jacket, a patterned tie and sturdy brown shoes. Pointed felt ears on a headband and a soft orange tail pinned firmly to the waistband. I stiffen the ears with a layer of iron-on interfacing, otherwise felt ears droop sideways by mid-morning. Orange face paint on the cheeks, a small black nose and fine whiskers. A fabric sack of light felt vegetables makes a story-inspired prop. Avoid hard masks, which cut down vision. This one also scales up well for a teacher or a family of woodland characters.
21. The Gruffalo Book Week Costume
Fleece is the right base for the Gruffalo because it's soft, warm and forgiving. A brown hoodie and matching pants, a tan felt belly on the front, purple felt prickles down the back, soft ears on the hood and a long, floppy tail. Brown sneakers keep him easy to move in. Hair goes inside the hood, or use a little temporary brown spray around the visible edges. Thick black eyebrows, a green painted nose for the wart, and one or two soft white felt tusks near the hood opening. A plush mouse or the picture book is the prop. Round off every felt point so he stays friendly, not frightening.
22. Max From Where The Wild Things Are Costume
Max's suit is cozy, so he's a natural for cooler Book Week weather, though I'd warn parents it gets hot indoors. Use a white hooded onesie, or a white sweatshirt with matching pants. Gray buttons run down the front, a soft tail goes at the back, and triangular felt ears are sewn or taped to the hood, with simple drawn whiskers. White sneakers or soft boots keep the monochrome look. The gold paper crown sits over the hood and must not slip into the eyes. Hair stays tucked in, and makeup is just a pink nose and rosy cheeks. Choose a cotton onesie over a thick fleece if the day is mostly inside.
23. Rainbow Fish Book Week Costume
Rainbow Fish shines in a parade line, which is half the fun. Start with a blue T-shirt and blue leggings, pants or a knee-length skirt over tights. Overlap felt scales in turquoise, purple, pink and green with a few silver ones, and keep any glitter sealed inside craft foam so it can't shed. I'd cut the scales as rounded U-shapes and glue only the top edge, which lets them lift slightly as she moves. Blue sneakers, a headband with a soft fin, and a ponytail with blue ribbons or a temporary turquoise spray. Iridescent shadow, pink cheeks and a few painted scales near one temple. Fins and tail are flexible felt, never cardboard, and the tail ends above the ankles.
24. Pippi Longstocking Book Week Costume
Pippi is the easiest character to source secondhand, because nothing is supposed to match. A patchwork pinafore or oversized dress over a striped shirt, two different knee-high socks and sturdy lace-up boots. The outward-pointing braids need flexible craft wire wrapped inside, with every cut end covered; I wrap the tips in a scrap of felt and then the hair tie, so nothing can poke through. An orange-red wig gets the same result without touching her own hair. Freckles across the cheeks and nose, the rest simple. A plush monkey, for Mr. Nilsson, or a light cardboard suitcase is the prop, and patches go on with removable tape.
25. Anne Of Green Gables Book Week Costume
Anne Shirley's look is a plain country outfit: a long-sleeved white blouse, a brown or green pinafore dress and dark lace-up boots, with cream tights or long socks for warmth. Two long red braids with plain ribbons, or an auburn braided wig under a straw hat. A brown makeup pencil gives the most natural freckles, as long as you dot rather than draw, then soften them with a fingertip. Rosy cheeks finish the face. Carry old-looking books tied with ribbon, a small slate, or a basket of artificial flowers. A mid-calf skirt is long enough to look period and short enough to sit and walk in. Muted earth tones keep it believable.
26. Fancy Nancy Book Week Costume
More is more with Fancy Nancy, and the dress-up box is the best place to start. A bright party dress or a tutu over patterned leggings, a sparkly cardigan, colorful ballet flats and several playful necklaces. A high ponytail or loose curls with ribbons, a tiara and decorative clips. Pink blush, shimmer shadow and child-safe gloss give a glamorous but school-appropriate face. I'd usually trade the feather boa for a satin scarf; most boas shed, and satin gives the same swish. A small purse, a paper fan or the picture book. Let her pick her own color combination, since the layering is meant to be personal.
27. Olivia The Pig Book Week Costume
Olivia is a gentle option for younger children because the pieces are soft and washable. A red pinafore or red T-shirt dress over a white long-sleeved top, black-and-white striped tights, white socks and black flats or sneakers. Rounded pink pig ears go on a red headband, and a small curly felt tail on the back of the dress. For the curl, wrap a pipe cleaner in pink felt and twist it around a pencil, which holds the spiral. Short pigtails or hair tucked behind the ears. A pale pink nose with two small nostrils, and nothing else on the face. A red handbag, cardboard sketch pad or the book itself is the prop.
28. Amelia Bedelia Book Week Costume
Amelia Bedelia's uniform is plain black and white, so it comes together fast. A black knee-length dress, or a black top and skirt, with a white apron and a detachable white collar if you have one. Black tights and flat black shoes. Hair in a neat bun or under a small white cap gathered from fabric or paper. Rosy cheeks and a friendly smile. The props carry the humor: a mixing bowl, wooden spoon, feather duster or cardboard tray, plus a handwritten card with one of her mixed-up instructions, such as being told to “dress the chicken.” Double-knot the apron ties, which come loose on every child within an hour.
29. Ada Twist Scientist Book Week Costume
Ada Twist is a favorite with curious kids, and the costume is mostly bright clothes and a lab coat. A polka-dot dress, patterned top or bright shirt with leggings, then a child-sized white lab coat and sneakers. Two puff ponytails, braids or any style that stays put. Costume safety glasses can sit on top of the head. Minimal makeup, maybe a few freckles. A plastic test-tube holder with colored paper tubes inside, or a clipboard covered in handwritten questions, makes the prop, along with the book. A grown-up's old white shirt worn backward, sleeves rolled, is a good lab coat substitute. Leave real glass, powders and liquids at home.
30. Rosie Revere Engineer Book Week Costume
Rosie Revere is denim overalls and confidence. Put the overalls over a navy, red or polka-dot shirt, add striped socks and sturdy red sneakers or lace-up boots, and tie a red patterned scarf around the head with hair in a bun, braid or ponytail beneath it. I knot the scarf at the front on top, which is her look, and add a couple of bobby pins at the back so it stays when she bends. Clear costume goggles above the forehead and a few freckles. A cardboard wrench, rolled blueprint or small invention from clean recycled boxes is the key prop. No sharp metal tools or loose wires. Overall pockets handle the small bits.
31. Greg Heffley Book Week Costume
Greg Heffley suits older kids who want to stay in everyday clothes. A plain white T-shirt, black shorts or pants and black-and-white sneakers, with a black long-sleeved shirt underneath if it's cool. Natural hair, or a flat paper headpiece with a hand-drawn cartoon hairstyle. Skip makeup apart from lightly outlined black brows. Make a large cardboard diary with bold lettering and simple black line drawings on the cover. For more impact, a white foam-board frame around the upper body turns him into a walking illustration, leaving the arms and legs free. Foam board snaps if it's bent, so score it and fold, rather than trying to curve it.
32. Dog Man Book Week Costume
Dog Man is a blue uniform plus floppy ears. A blue button-down and matching blue pants, a paper badge on the chest, and a blue cap with soft brown felt ears on each side. Brown sneakers or black school shoes. Hair goes under the cap, with a brown or black painted nose and short whisker dots. A brown felt tail at the waistband. I'd draw the badge in the style of the books, with thick wobbly marker lines, because it's the hand-drawn look that makes it Dog Man rather than a generic officer. A handmade comic book or notepad is the prop. Leave out any realistic law-enforcement equipment.
33. Captain Underpants Book Week Costume
Make Captain Underpants school-appropriate by layering everything over regular clothes. A beige or peach long-sleeved top and matching leggings or pants, oversized white shorts on top, and a red fabric cape attached at the shoulders. Red or white sneakers. A bald cap is optional, and short natural hair works fine. Thick black eyebrows and rosy cheeks give the exaggerated cartoon expression. Carry the book or a handmade cardboard comic panel. The cape should end above the knees and come away if pulled; I attach it with two snaps rather than sewing it on. Fully covered, the joke still works and he can take part in normal lessons.
34. Paper Bag Princess Book Week Costume
Nobody should wear a real paper sack all day, since it tears the moment a child sits down. Instead, make a plain brown sleeveless tunic from cotton, felt or kraft-colored fabric, layered over a brown or black T-shirt and leggings. Cut the hem in gentle zigzags, and crumple and press the fabric a little so it looks like paper. Brown sneakers or ankle boots, a deliberately messy ponytail or a tousled dark wig. Soft gray shadow near the temples and rosy cheeks suggest a long adventure, without wounds or scary details. A cardstock gold crown and the storybook are the props, and a small cardboard castle can ride on a tote bag.
35. The BFG Book Week Costume
The BFG is all about oversized clothing on a small person. Cropped brown pants, a loose white shirt, a long tan or green vest and a wide brown belt. Big-looking shoes come from light felt covers slipped over sneakers. Oversized soft ears go on a headband, set so they don't press on the child's own ears or block their view. Natural hair brushed back or under a close cap. Peach face paint sparingly, with bushy brows, rosy cheeks and a slightly enlarged nose. Carry a fabric pouch labeled for dreams, a plastic jar of colored tissue paper, or the novel. Belt the loose layers firmly at the waist so he walks safely.
36. Little Miss Sunshine Book Week Costume
Little Miss Sunshine is two circles and a smile. Under it goes a yellow long-sleeved shirt and yellow leggings. Cut two large circles of flexible yellow felt, add her face to the front one, and join the panels at the shoulders and sides, leaving plenty of room for arms and legs. A thicker felt holds the round shape better than craft-store thin felt, which tends to sag into a sack. Red sneakers and a red hair bow for contrast, pink cheeks and a big smile. A paper sun or the book is the prop. Keep the circles above the knees so she can climb stairs and sit down.
37. Elmer The Patchwork Elephant Costume
Elmer is a gray or black outfit covered in a grid of bright squares. Start with a long-sleeved shirt and matching pants, then add light felt patches in red, yellow, blue, green, pink, orange and purple. A few matching patches on neutral sneakers tie it together. I lay the patches out on the floor first and photograph them before gluing, so the colors don't clump in one corner. Big flexible felt ears on a headband and a soft trunk under the headband or painted on the nose, but never covering the mouth. Square face-paint details on the cheeks and a thin stuffed tail. The picture book is the prop.
38. Room On The Broom Witch Costume
The witch in this story is warm and kind, so I build her that way. A long purple or black dress over striped tights, a red or purple cardigan, a wide fabric belt and flat buckled boots. A floppy pointed hat with a yellow ribbon or small bow, and long hair in a messy braid or a ginger wig underneath. Purple eyeshadow, rosy cheeks and drawn freckles. A small broom rolled from paper with raffia bristles is light enough to carry, if school rules allow it. A plush cat peeks out of a shoulder bag. Keep every detail bright; dark, frightening touches don't belong on this one.
39. Harry Potter Book Week Costume
Harry needs a school uniform and three details. A white collared shirt, charcoal pants and a gray sweater or cardigan, with a plain black robe and a red-and-gold striped scarf or tie. Black lace-ups that cope with the playground. Messy short dark hair, or longer hair tucked behind the ears. Round black glasses and a small lightning mark above one eyebrow in washable makeup. A thick spellbook-style notebook replaces any action prop, and a handmade school letter can sit inside it. A secondhand graduation gown, cut down to knee length and hemmed, makes a better robe than most costume-shop versions, and the shorter length is safer on stairs.
40. Sherlock Holmes Book Week Costume
Sherlock works for children and teachers alike. Brown trousers, a white collared shirt, a fitted vest and a checked cape or long coat, with dark lace-ups and a deerstalker cap. Natural hair tucked under the hat, and subtle makeup at most. A big plastic magnifying glass, a notebook and a pencil are the safe props, with a cardboard envelope marked as a clue in one pocket. Skip the pipe. A child's checked coat is rare, so I often make a short cape from a blanket-weight plaid, which needs no hemming if you choose a fabric that doesn't fray. A partner in a tweed jacket with a medical notebook makes Doctor Watson.
Kids Who Refuse Hats, Wigs and Face Paint
Some children hate the feel of costume pieces, and Book Week can turn into a battle at the front door. I've found it works better to plan around that from the start than to push. A costume can lose its hat, wig and makeup and still read as the character if the clothes and one prop carry the story.
- Cut out every scratchy label and wash new pieces once before the day. Stiff new fabric and felt edges are the usual complaints.
- Move the identifying detail off the head. Ears can go on a backpack, a crown can be carried, and whiskers can be drawn on a paper mask held on a stick.
- Choose characters made of normal clothes: Matilda, Charlie Bucket, Greg Heffley, Junie-style school looks, Rosie Revere in overalls.
- If they'll try face paint, do a single small mark, like a nose dot, and stop there. A tiny patch test on the inner arm the day before tells you about skin reactions.
- Let them wear their own shoes. Unfamiliar shoes are one of the biggest reasons a costume gets abandoned by lunchtime.
Saving the Pieces for Next Year's Parade
Book Week comes around every year, and most of these costumes share parts. A red cape becomes Red Riding Hood one year and part of a superhero the next. A black robe works for Harry, a wizard or a judge. I keep a labeled box per child with the reusable bits: capes, robes, tunics, headbands, round glasses, felt ears.
Before it goes in the box, take off any taped or glued felt, wash the base clothes, and lay felt pieces flat between sheets of paper so they don't crease. Wigs go in a hairnet or a zip bag after a gentle brush. Next year, you'll often find half a costume is already done.
The Story Matters More Than the Sewing
The costumes kids love most are the ones from books they actually read, and the ones they can forget they're wearing. Before you pick, think about the weather, the length of the parade, the school's rules and how your child feels about wigs and makeup. Soft props, breathable layers, secure headpieces and good shoes head off most problems. If a character might stump people, carry the book or a handmade title card. Nearly every look here comes from closet basics, thrifted clothes, felt, cardboard and washable makeup, so the hardest part is usually letting your child choose.
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