Book Week should feel like a treat, not a homework project for the grown-ups. The costumes I like best pair one recognisable character with comfortable clothes, sensible shoes and a single prop that tells the story. That balance matters, because children and teachers have to walk in a parade, sit through lessons and stay in costume for hours. I've gathered thirty here: classic storybook heroes, bright picture-book characters, fantasy favourites and plenty of cheap builds made from closet basics. Most adapt easily for different ages, budgets and weather, and several suit teachers as well as kids. Whichever you pick, carry the book. It turns a puzzled look into a grin.
Dressing the Teacher and the Class From the Same Story
Several characters below work for adults as well as children, and Book Week is lovely when a teacher or a group of friends picks one story and shares it out. The trick is agreeing on colour first and costume second. If everyone knows the palette, the group reads as one book even when each person built their piece from their own wardrobe.
- Pick a book with several characters: Alice and the Mad Hatter with the Queen of Hearts, Thing 1 and Thing 2 with the Cat in the Hat, or a full box of crayons.
- Give the adult the character with the most detail, such as the Hatter's hat or the Cat's tall hat, and let the children take the simpler pieces.
- Agree on one shared marker, like the same red ribbon, the same printed label style or the same book carried by everyone.
- Keep the whole group in comfortable shoes. A group only looks good while it stays together on the walk.
For a whole class, I'd suggest the crayon idea or Thing numbers over anything with props. Each child only needs one colour, and a label or a number tells the story without anyone having to explain.
1. Matilda Book Week Costume
Matilda is one of the gentlest costumes to wear, because it's really just a school outfit. A knee-length blue dress, or a blue pinafore over a white short-sleeve shirt, sets the look. White ankle socks with black Mary Janes, loafers or plain school shoes finish the feet. A neat bob is the classic hair, though loose hair with a bright red ribbon headband reads just as clearly. Rosy cheeks are all the makeup a child needs. A stack of books tied with ribbon is the iconic prop, but I'd honestly send one favourite novel instead, since a stack gets heavy by morning break. Adults can add a cardigan and a structured satchel for the grown-up version.
2. Where’s Wally Book Week Costume
Wally's stripes are bold enough to pick out across the whole playground. A long-sleeve red and white striped shirt goes with blue jeans or navy trousers, plus red or white sneakers that can handle running about. Add the red and white bobble hat and round black glasses with clear or empty lenses. Hair can stay tucked under the hat and the face stays fresh. A cardboard walking cane looks right, but in class I'd swap it for a postcard, a map or the book, because canes end up being used as swords. A red crossbody satchel suits the traveller. Stripes are also easy to repeat, so siblings, a teacher or a whole group can join in.
3. Harry Potter Book Week Costume
You can make Harry Potter from school uniform without buying a boxed robe set. A white collared shirt goes under a grey V-neck sweater, with black trousers and a burgundy and gold striped tie. For the robe, a lightweight black graduation gown or open cape gives the wizard-school shape for very little money. Black lace-ups or cushioned loafers are smart enough and comfortable. Brush dark hair into a slightly messy fringe and draw the small lightning mark with washable makeup. Round glasses are the essential piece. An old hardback, a toy owl or rolled parchment makes a school-safe prop. Hem or pin the robe so it stops above the ankle, since children step on long robes going upstairs.
4. Hermione Granger Book Week Costume
Hermione's costume is classic schoolwear with a few clever academic touches. A white button-front shirt, grey pleated skirt or tailored trousers and a charcoal sweater make the uniform, plus a burgundy and gold tie and a light black robe ending above the ankles. Grey knee socks and sturdy black loafers or lace-ups finish it. Her hair is the giveaway, and brushed-out curls, a crimped wig or natural waves worn loose all work. If you crimp a child's own hair, use a low heat setting and do it the night before so the waves can relax a little. Neutral makeup and lightly defined brows are enough. Spellbook notebooks, a feather quill or a labelled potion bottle of coloured water fit in a small book bag.
5. Luna Lovegood Book Week Costume
Luna is the costume for a child who likes to make their own choices, because her style is joyfully odd. A pastel blouse with a patterned skirt, bright tights and a long knitted cardigan or dark school robe are a good starting point. Silver flats, colourful sneakers or ankle boots all suit her, depending on the weather. Long blonde hair worn loose and wavy, or a pale blonde wig, sets the dreamy tone, with soft lavender on the eyelids and a touch of shimmer. Her famous glasses can be cut from coloured card, but keep the eyeholes big so the wearer can see the stairs. A handmade magazine, an odd necklace or a small stuffed creature makes the prop. Clashing patterns are the point, so nothing has to be exact.
6. Cat In The Hat Book Week Costume
The tall striped hat carries this whole costume. Under it, a plain black long-sleeve top, black trousers and black or white sneakers do the job, with a big red bow tie and white gloves. Make sure the gloves come off easily, because nobody can write or eat lunch in them. Choose a light foam or fabric hat rather than a cardboard tube, as a tall stiff hat tips forward every time a child looks down. Simple face paint gives the black nose and three whisker lines a cheek. A short red tail on hook-and-loop tape adds swing but has to clear a classroom chair. Teachers like this one too, since it's cheerful and comfortable for a full day.
7. Thing 1 Book Week Costume
Thing 1 is bright and simple, and it doubles up beautifully for siblings or two teachers. A red T-shirt with matching red leggings, joggers or relaxed trousers is the base. A large white felt circle goes on the chest with "Thing 1" in bold black. Iron-on letters or fabric paint stay put far better than stuck-on felt letters, which peel off a polyester shirt in the wash. Red sneakers or white canvas shoes finish the feet. The blue hair can come from a fluffy wig, temporary blue spray or a blue feather headband. A blue pom-pom or the book is the prop, and for a pair, make a second shirt reading "Thing 2".
8. Alice In Wonderland Book Week Costume
Alice comes down to a blue dress and a crisp white apron. A knee-length blue dress with short puff sleeves, or a blue pinafore over a white blouse, is the base, with opaque white tights and comfortable black Mary Janes. Blonde hair or a blonde wig takes a wide black ribbon headband. Pink cheeks, soft blue eyeshadow and natural lips are enough for an older child or a teacher. A small teacup, a white rabbit plush or a handmade "Drink Me" bottle with the lid glued shut make good props, and oversized cardboard playing cards can decorate a little crossbody bag. Keep the skirt full but short of the shin, so the wearer can manage stairs and the parade.
9. Mad Hatter Book Week Costume
The Mad Hatter is the costume for anyone who loves a bit of theatre. Put a bright vest over a patterned shirt with cropped trousers or a knee-length skirt, then add a colourful tailcoat, striped socks and lace-up ankle boots or cushioned brogues. The hat is the star. Cover a large base in fabric, decorate it with ribbons and tuck in a handwritten price card. I stitch the trims on, because glued ribbons drop off as soon as the hat gets knocked. Orange, red or curly hair can fluff out under it, with rosy cheeks, coloured brows and a little purple eyeshadow. A plastic teacup and saucer, a small teapot or a paper clock is the prop. Teachers who enjoy dressing up tend to pick this one.
10. Queen Of Hearts Book Week Costume
The Queen of Hearts can look dramatic without being frightening, which matters with the youngest classes. A red dress, or a red top over a full black skirt, goes with white tights and black ballet flats. Removable felt hearts and playing-card shapes decorate the neckline and skirt. A stand-up collar from white fabric or light cardstock gives the royal shape, but round its corners, since a pointed collar scratches the jaw. Dark hair in a high bun or a neat black wig takes a small gold crown. Red tinted balm, rosy cheeks and a tiny painted heart by one eye are plenty. Carry a heart-shaped fan or a big cardboard playing card instead of a staff.
11. Willy Wonka Book Week Costume
Willy Wonka relies on colour and good tailoring rather than construction. A purple velvet-look blazer or long coat over a patterned vest and white collared shirt is the core, with dark trousers, a bright bow tie and comfortable black shoes. A tall brown or purple top hat makes the silhouette. Short hair stays neat under the hat, or a brown wavy wig adds character. Makeup is just warm blush and defined brows. A gold paper ticket, a candy-striped cane made from a cardboard tube or a small empty sweet box are good props. Many schools restrict sweets, so I'd leave real candy out of the costume. Older children, teachers and families all wear this one well.
12. Charlie Bucket Book Week Costume
Charlie Bucket is the one I suggest when comfort and cost come first. A soft sweater or knitted vest over a collared shirt, brown or charcoal trousers, warm socks and worn lace-ups or practical ankle boots make the outfit. A vintage-style newsboy cap gives him his humble look, with tousled natural hair underneath and clean, lightly rosy cheeks. The golden ticket matters most, so cut it from metallic cardstock and write the event details on it in black marker. An empty chocolate wrapper or the original book goes in the other hand. Slightly big charity-shop pieces help the old-fashioned feel, but roll sleeves and hems so they're safe for walking and sitting.
13. The BFG Book Week Costume
The BFG is all about exaggerated size, so this is where adults and tall students have an advantage. A loose white or cream shirt goes under a large brown vest, with cropped olive trousers and a wide belt. Thick socks and sturdy brown boots or lace-up shoes finish the feet. The giant ears belong on a soft headband, never glued to skin, and foam ears hold their shape better than felt. Hair stays short and tousled or under a plain cap. Washable makeup adds bushy brows and soft cheek shading. A dream-catching net made from a small hoop and soft mesh, with no sharp edges, is the classic prop, and a jar labelled as a dream container is a good second choice.
14. Fantastic Mr. Fox Book Week Costume
Fantastic Mr. Fox is an animal costume that still looks smart, thanks to the tailored layers. Rust trousers or leggings go with a cream shirt, a patterned vest and a brown blazer, plus orange socks and brown loafers, boots or sneakers. A soft orange tail on hook-and-loop tape can come off before sitting. Pointed felt ears go on a comfortable headband. Orange hair, an orange wig or natural hair brushed back all suit him. Go light on face paint: a black nose, a white muzzle and a few fine whiskers. White face paint shows every smudge, so I set it with a little translucent powder. A canvas satchel with the book or a paper apple gives him something to carry.
15. Little Red Riding Hood Book Week Costume
A vivid red cape makes Little Red Riding Hood obvious, even if everything else comes from an ordinary wardrobe. A white blouse and a red, navy or gingham knee-length skirt are the base, with a fitted vest or cardigan, opaque tights and brown ankle boots. The hooded red cape goes on top. Check its length on the wearer and make sure it ends well above the ground. Braids, loose curls or a low ponytail all sit under the hood, with soft pink cheeks and natural lip colour. Carry a light basket holding a folded cloth and the book rather than real food, which only invites a mess in the classroom. Children and teachers both wear this one easily.
16. Goldilocks Book Week Costume
Goldilocks gets her identity mostly from props, so put your effort there. A pale blue dress or pinafore over a white puff-sleeve blouse, a yellow cardigan, white ankle socks and tan Mary Janes or flats are the clothes. Blonde hair or a blonde wig goes into springy curls with a blue ribbon at the front. Overnight braids or soft foam rollers give curls without heat. Keep the makeup gentle with rosy cheeks, light freckles and a natural lip tint. A light plastic bowl and spoon, or three small paper bowls in a handled basket, tell the story, and a tiny bear plush in the basket seals it. Skip trailing ribbons and very full skirts so she can manage the day.
17. Peter Pan Book Week Costume
Peter Pan is ideal for active kids, since nothing restricts running or climbing. A long green T-shirt or felt tunic goes over dark green leggings, joggers or slim trousers. Cut the hem into wide zigzag points and tie a brown fabric belt at the waist. Green felt covers can go over secure sneakers, or just wear brown ankle boots. Short hair sweeps to one side under a soft green cap with a small red felt feather. A touch of bronzer and a few painted freckles give him an outdoorsy face. Carry a rolled treasure map, a fabric pouch or the book rather than a sword. Plenty of schools ban toy blades, so that choice saves an argument at the gate.
18. Pippi Longstocking Book Week Costume
Pippi turns mismatched clothes into a costume, so raid every drawer. A bright patchwork pinafore or loose printed dress goes over a striped long-sleeve shirt, with mismatched knee socks and sturdy lace-up boots or bright sneakers. For the outward braids, slide light wire inside each braid on red hair or a red wig and cover the ends securely, as bare wire ends scratch. A washable makeup pencil draws the freckles. A toy monkey, an old-fashioned suitcase or a homemade name tag on the dress makes the prop. Fabric tape holds temporary patches, so the dress goes back to normal afterwards and the costume costs very little.
19. Mary Poppins Book Week Costume
Mary Poppins is about crisp tailoring, and it suits teachers especially well. A white high-neck blouse goes with a navy or black midi skirt and a fitted dark blazer, plus opaque tights and low-heeled lace-up boots that are kind to feet on a long day. Dark hair goes into a smooth low bun under a small black hat trimmed with artificial daisies and red berries. Natural makeup, defined brows, pink cheeks and red lipstick or tinted balm finish the face. A closed black umbrella makes a lovely prop if the school allows it. If not, a carpet-pattern tote with the book does the job. White gloves and a red bow tie complete her. Keep the skirt above the ankle and the bag compact.
20. Paddington Bear Book Week Costume
Paddington is my pick for a cold, wet Book Week, because the costume is outerwear. A blue duffle-style coat goes over brown trousers, leggings or a brown sweater with matching trousers. Red wellies or red sneakers and a soft red bucket hat finish him. Brown hair can stay natural under the hat, and a bear-ear headband can hide inside it. Use brown face paint lightly around the nose with short whisker lines, leaving most of the face bare. Tie a cardboard luggage label to a toggle with soft string. A small brown suitcase, a travel bag or a paper marmalade jar is the prop. Pick a light coat, since classrooms get warm and the coat comes off first.
21. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Book Week Costume
The Very Hungry Caterpillar works with any age, from preschool to the teacher at the front. A light green long-sleeve top goes with darker green leggings or joggers. Overlapping felt circles in several greens go down the front, sewn or glued only at their top edge so they flex when the wearer sits. Red sneakers echo his red head. A red beanie or hood with purple felt antennae makes the headpiece, with natural hair tucked away. Rosy cheeks and a tiny green dot near each one, in washable makeup, are enough. Carry a felt leaf with round bites cut out or a basket of flat paper fruit. Avoid bulky cardboard body tubes, which make sitting nearly impossible.
22. The Rainbow Fish Book Week Costume
Rainbow Fish can look impressive and still weigh almost nothing. A blue or turquoise top with matching leggings, trousers or a knee-length skirt is the base. Overlapping felt scales in blue, purple, green and silver go across the shirt or a simple fabric cape, leaving arms and legs free. Blue sneakers or silver flats with non-slip soles suit her. A ponytail with blue ribbons, or a turquoise bob wig, does the hair, with iridescent eyeshadow, silver cheek dots and a glossy lip for an older child. A soft fin headband and a removable fabric tail finish the shape. The single sparkling scale can be foil-covered cardboard, but fold the foil over the edges, since raw foil edges are sharp.
23. The Gruffalo Book Week Costume
You can make a friendly Gruffalo without a heavy mascot suit. A brown hoodie with matching joggers or leggings is the base, with soft felt patches for fur. Cushioned brown shoes and rounded white felt claws go on the hands and feet. Purple felt spikes run down the back of the hoodie, kept small so the wearer can still lean back in a chair. A horned ear headband sits over tousled hair. Face paint adds thick brows, a dark nose and a small green cheek detail, and the two white felt tusks attach near the hood rather than the mouth, where they'd get chewed. A woodland picture book or a soft mouse plush is the prop.
24. Dog Man Book Week Costume
Dog Man is a simple uniform with playful dog extras, and kids who read graphic novels ask for him constantly. A bright blue short-sleeve shirt goes with navy trousers or joggers and black sneakers. A blue fabric cap carries a gold felt badge, but don't copy any real police badge exactly. Brown floppy ears sew or clip firmly to the sides of the cap. Leave natural hair underneath and use washable makeup for a black dog nose, a few freckles and short whisker dots. A brown felt tail on hook-and-loop tape adds swing and comes off for carpet time. A homemade comic notebook, the book itself or a cardboard speech bubble with a school-friendly phrase is the prop.
25. Captain Underpants Book Week Costume
Captain Underpants stays school appropriate as long as everything goes over full clothing. A skin-tone, white or pale pink long-sleeve top with matching leggings or fitted trousers is the base. Oversized white shorts go on top, with a bright red cape ending around the knees. Red sneakers or white trainers finish the feet. A smooth bald cap is fine if the child is happy in it, but most get hot and tug at it, so leaving natural hair visible is perfectly fine. Washable makeup draws thick cartoon brows. A comic book or a light cardboard speech bubble is all the prop he needs. Check the shorts can't slip, and fasten the cape with hook-and-loop tape so it pulls away safely.
26. Greg Heffley Book Week Costume
Greg Heffley takes ordinary school clothes and adds bold black and white details. A plain white T-shirt with black shorts or dark trousers and white sneakers is the outfit, with a long-sleeve black shirt underneath on cool days. Natural hair can stay short, or wear a black paper headband with three upright cartoon hair lines. Skip makeup, or use a little pale powder at most. The real costume is a big black and white character face on light cardstock, with wide eyeholes, fixed to a craft stick so it's held up for photos rather than worn all day. A lined journal labelled as his diary, or one of the books, makes the point. It's cheap and quick to throw together.
27. The Paper Bag Princess Book Week Costume
The Paper Bag Princess is clever, cheap and tied straight to the story. Wear a tan T-shirt dress, a loose brown tunic or a kraft-coloured fabric dress over shorts and a fitted top. Please don't use a real paper sack as the main garment. It rips at the armholes within the first hour and crackles every time she moves. Tan leggings and brown flats, sneakers or ankle boots finish the outfit. Hair goes into a deliberately messy ponytail or lopsided bun, with a little grey eyeshadow brushed through a few strands for soot. A touch of charcoal makeup on the cheeks keeps the face friendly. A slightly bent gold crown from foam or card, plus the book or a paper dragon puppet, tells the tale.
28. Max From Where The Wild Things Are Costume
Max is a cosy pick if Book Week falls in a chilly month. A white hooded onesie, pyjama set or sweatshirt with joggers is the base. Wear white sneakers or slip-resistant indoor shoes rather than fabric feet, since fabric feet slide on polished floors. Rounded felt ears and grey whiskers sew or tape onto the hood, with a short removable tail at the back. Natural hair tucks under the hood. Pink cheeks and three fine whisker lines on each side are plenty of makeup. A light gold crown from foam, fabric or flexible card finishes him. A small stuffed monster or the picture book is the prop, and the outfit suits any child who wants to stay comfortable.
29. Anne Of Green Gables Book Week Costume
Anne of Green Gables looks period without needing costly period clothing. A white high-neck blouse goes under a brown, green or navy pinafore dress, with opaque tights and flat brown lace-up boots. Red hair or a red wig goes into two long braids tied with plain ribbon, and a scatter of painted freckles crosses the cheeks and nose. Keep the rest of the face natural. A straw boater can hang down her back on a loose ribbon, as long as the ribbon can't tighten round the neck, so I tie it with a bow that pulls undone. A small carpetbag, a basket of artificial flowers or a well-loved copy of the novel is the prop. Puffed sleeves and a modest midi skirt set the era while still letting her move.
30. The Day The Crayons Quit Costume
The Day the Crayons Quit is a clever one for a solo child, and even better for a whole class or a teacher group. Pick one crayon colour and wear it head to toe: T-shirt, trousers or skirt, socks and sneakers. A wide black felt band around the shirt mimics the crayon wrapper. Add a tall pointed hat from light coloured cardstock, with the elastic sitting comfortably under the chin rather than across the throat. Hair stays natural under the hat, and matching eyeshadow or two small colour marks on the cheeks are optional. Pin a big printed colour label to the front and carry a funny handwritten letter explaining why that crayon quit. In a group, give each person a different colour and their own letter.
Coloured Hair Without Dye, Itchy Wigs or Stained Collars
Thing 1, Pippi, Anne, Luna and the Rainbow Fish all lean on hair colour, and that's where many parents get stuck. Children don't need permanent dye for any of these.
- Temporary colour sprays show best on fair hair. On dark hair, a coloured wig or a feather headband reads more clearly than a faint tint.
- Spray on dry hair outdoors, with an old towel round the shoulders, and let it dry fully before the costume goes on. Wet spray transfers onto collars and car seats.
- Cheap synthetic wigs shed and tangle. Brush them gently with a wide-tooth comb before the day, and pin them over a wig cap or a thin headband so they don't slide.
- If a child says a wig itches, believe them. A wig that comes off at nine o'clock wasn't worth it, so have a hat or ribbon plan ready.
- Wash spray out the same evening, as some colours dull light hair a little if left overnight.
Run a Practice Morning at Home the Weekend Before
The best fix I know for costume day tears is a short rehearsal. Put the whole costume on for an hour on the weekend. Ask your child to sit cross-legged, eat a snack, use the toilet and walk to the end of the street and back.
You'll spot most problems quickly: a hat that falls forward, a tail that gets sat on, gloves that stop small fingers working, or face paint they rub off without thinking. Fixing those at home takes minutes. On the morning itself, with a parade waiting, the same problem can spoil the whole day.
One Book, One Prop and Shoes That Last the Day
None of these characters needs an expensive shop-bought outfit. Begin with comfortable clothes in the character's colours, then add practical shoes, the right hair, light makeup and one safe prop. A copy of the book clears up any confusion and gets other children talking about stories. Before parade day, test the costume for sitting, walking, toilet trips and the weather forecast. Secure anything loose, shorten trailing hems and label every removable piece. Adults can adapt most of these looks from their own wardrobes too. In the end, the costume your child can move in and explain proudly will always beat the one that looks perfect at the front door.
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