World Book Day costume ideas from children’s books

World Book Day is a favourite with children and a headache for many parents. The good news is that the best costumes are usually the simplest. Children are happy to dress as a character they love, and a few clever details are all you need. In the UK and Ireland, schools usually mark World Book Day in early March, often on the first Thursday of the month, so check your school’s date. UNESCO’s separate World Book and Copyright Day is on 23 April.

15 easy costume ideas

From picture books

• The mouse from The Gruffalo. Brown clothes, felt ears and a pipe-cleaner tail. Add a toy nut or a stick-on paper acorn.
• A caterpillar, from The Very Hungry Caterpillar. A green top, a red hat or headband and a paper-circle collar. Stick paper fruit to a tote bag.
• A wild thing, from Where the Wild Things Are. A hooded top or white pyjamas with a paper crown, plus a pair of homemade claws.
• A tiger visitor, from The Tiger Who Came to Tea. An orange top with black stripes made from tape or felt, and a tail.
• A bear in the Hundred Acre Wood, from Winnie-the-Pooh. A yellow jumper, red shorts or jacket and a honey pot made from a plastic tub.
• A garden rabbit, from The Tale of Peter Rabbit. A blue jacket, rabbit ears and a carrot in your pocket.

From classics

• A tea-party guest, from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. A blue dress and white apron, with a teacup in hand.
• A chocolate factory visitor, from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A golden ticket on a ribbon around the neck, and a top hat made from card.
• A girl with a book, from Matilda. A cardigan, a big book and a glass of water on a table (for the fun of it).
• A wizard-school student, from Harry Potter. A dark robe, a striped scarf and a wand made from a stick.
• A traveller from The Hobbit. A waistcoat, a cloak, a lantern and a map.

From today’s bestsellers

• A diary keeper, from Diary of a Wimpy Kid. School clothes and a notebook with “Diary” on the front.
• A ghost and a slice of toast, from Ghost and Toast. A white sheet with eye holes (cut large enough to see well) and a toast shape made from cardboard.
• A donut, from Donut Squad. A pink or brown top with a cardboard ring around the middle, and sprinkles made from felt dots.
• A detective, from Detective Thingy Majiggy. A coat, a magnifying glass and a notebook.

No-sew and low-cost tips

• Start with clothes you own. A coloured top and leggings form the base of most costumes.
• Use cardboard and felt. Cereal boxes, felt sheets and glue dots go a long way.
• Borrow or swap. Ask friends or your school if there is a costume swap.
• Make it with your child. Cutting ears or decorating a hat is half the fun.
• Pick a book they love. They will remember the book as well as the costume.

Safe and comfortable costumes

• Check that the child can see, walk and sit comfortably. Cut eye holes generously and avoid masks that cover the face.
• Keep hems short to avoid tripping on stairs.
• Use non-toxic glue and avoid small parts that could come loose for younger children.
• Make sure it is warm enough to wear to school, and easy to take off for the toilet.

No costume? Try these instead

Some children do not enjoy dressing up. Let them carry a favourite book, wear a badge or make a bookmark. See our book activities for kids for more ideas.

When is World Book Day?

In the UK and Ireland it is usually marked in early March, often on the first Thursday. Check the official World Book Day site or your school for the exact date. UNESCO’s World Book and Copyright Day is on 23 April.

What is the easiest World Book Day costume?

A pair of rabbit ears and a blue jacket for Peter Rabbit, a yellow jumper for Winnie-the-Pooh, or school clothes with a diary for Wimpy Kid.

Do we need to buy a costume?

No. Most of these can be made from clothes you already own, plus cardboard and felt.

What if my child wants to dress as a character from a new book?

Look up the character’s main features: colour, hat or accessory. Pick one or two to copy and add a small prop.