It’s that time of year again. The note comes home in the school bag, and suddenly you’re staring down the barrel of Book Week with approximately zero costume ideas and even less time.
Don’t panic. You absolutely do not need to be crafty, own a sewing machine, or spend half your weekend hot-gluing felt to cardboard. Some of the best Book Week costumes come together with items you already have at home, a bit of creativity, and maybe a quick trip to Kmart.
Here are some tried-and-tested ideas that won’t leave you stressed or broke.
Wardrobe raid winners
Before you buy anything, check what’s already in your house. You’d be surprised how many characters can be built from everyday clothes.
- Where’s Wally – Red and white striped top, jeans, beanie, and glasses (pop the lenses out of some cheap sunnies). Done.
- Harry Potter – White shirt, dark pants or skirt, a scarf in house colours (even a tea towel works), and a stick from the garden for a wand. Draw a lightning bolt on their forehead with eyeliner.
- Matilda – Blue dress or pinafore, red ribbon in hair, and a stack of books to carry. Bonus points for a fierce expression.
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Plain white tee with a simple stick figure drawn on it in black marker. That’s literally it.
- Cat in the Hat – All black outfit, red bow tie (or ribbon), and a tall striped hat made from cardboard or poster paper.
Australian book characters
Don’t forget our brilliant local picture books. These are often easier to pull off and celebrate Aussie storytelling.
- Possum Magic – Grey clothes, possum ears (cardboard and a headband), and a little bag of Anzac biscuits or lamingtons as props.
- Wombat from Diary of a Wombat – Brown clothes, wombat ears, and a grumpy expression. Carry a carrot.
- Pig the Pug – Beige or tan outfit, pug ears, and curly tail. Bonus if your child can master a cheeky grin.
- Bluey or Bingo – Blue or orange/red clothes, ears on a headband, and face paint for the nose. Technically a TV show, but the books count.
- Edward the Emu – Brown clothes, feathery boa or crepe paper feathers, orange tights or socks, and a beak made from cardboard.
Last-minute lifesavers
It’s 8pm the night before and you’ve got nothing. We’ve all been there. Try these.
- A book – Yes, really. Cardboard box, cut a hole for head and arms, decorate as a book cover. Your child IS the book.
- Thing 1 or Thing 2 – Blue hair (spray or a wig), red outfit, and a paper sign that says “Thing 1” or “Thing 2”.
- Paper Bag Princess – Brown paper bag as a dress (cut holes for head and arms), tiara, and messy hair. Empowering and easy.
- Pete the Cat – Blue clothes head to toe, cat ears, and white sneakers if you have them.
- Rainbow Fish – Blue clothes covered in shiny paper scales or sequins. Cut circles from foil or holographic paper and stick them on.
Tips to keep it simple
A few things to remember when the Book Week panic sets in.
Let your child choose. They’ll be far more excited to wear a costume of a character they actually love, even if it’s not the most elaborate option.
Accessories do the heavy lifting. A hat, a prop, or some face paint can transform a plain outfit into a recognisable character.
Check op shops early. Adelaide’s op shops are goldmines for costume bits. Hit them a week or two before Book Week for the best picks.
Don’t aim for perfection. Teachers and kids don’t care if the costume is handmade or store-bought. They care that your child is having fun and celebrating books.
Book Week should be about sparking a love of reading, not sending parents into a crafting spiral. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and remember that a kid who’s excited about their costume is always the best dressed in the parade.
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