Book Week is right around the corner and while kids are excited for dress ups and author talks, we know it can be a stressful time for busy parents.
Getting a costume together can be daunting. Whether you’re stretched for time, don’t want to spend a week hot glueing and sewing, or just want a simple, cheap costume that your kid will feel proud of, we’ve got your back.
Here are our suggestions for simple Book Week costumes for popular characters.
Characters with small details
Luckily for time poor parents, there are a lot of very popular children’s characters who basically wear normal clothes.
A few have props that make them recognisable – like a stack of books for Matilda, a W Wundrous Society pin for Morrigan Crow, or a magnifying glass for a detective – but otherwise don’t require elaborate get up. Props can make the character – carry a babydoll and suddenly, you’re a member of the Baby-Sitters Club.
Real People
For kids who want to dress as their favourite sportsperson or singer, Book Week can be a great opportunity to angle this interest into reading.
Through series like Little People Big Dreams and our fantastic nonfiction collection, kids can read about their favourite soccer players, musicians, or artists before dressing as them for Book Week (with book in tow of course).
Books written by famous faces can also be a great drawcard for those who think they’re too sporty to be readers.
Also check out:
- Taylor Swift (Singer)
- Sam Kerr (Soccer)
- Pat Cummins (Cricket)
- Mary Fowler (Soccer)
- Evonne Goolagong (Tennis)
- Ed Sheeran (Singer)
- Beatrix Potter (author, illustrator)
- Erno Rubik (inventor of rubik's cube)
- Louis Braille (inventor of braille)
- Roald Dahl (author)
- Usain Bolt (Runner)
- Michael Jordan (Basketball)
- Harry Houdini (Escape Artist)
Characters who dress simply but iconically
These characters are perfect if you don’t have an extensive dress-up box because your children’s ordinary clothes might already be identifiable as these character’s outfits.
A stripey shirt transforms you into Where’s Wally. An orange top and a sword: a camper at Camp Half Blood.
Animal characters
There is always a child who insists on dressing as an animal for any and all school dress up days. Luckily, animal characters are everywhere. If your child really just wants to don mouse ears or tiger make up, there is a character for them.
Also check out:
We hope this has given you a spark of inspiration. If you and your child would like to show off your fabulous Book Week dress ups, why not check out our costumed storytimes and other events, running throughout the whole week and many of our branches.