Book Week is one of the most exciting times of the year for children and schools across Australia. It’s a time to celebrate reading, imagination, and creativity. One of the most loved parts of Book Week is dressing up in a costume inspired by a favourite book character. But finding or making the right costume can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for busy parents.
The good news is you don’t need to spend a lot of money or be a professional crafter to create a fun, easy, and memorable look for your child. Below, we share some simple DIY costume ideas inspired by popular book characters that will help make Book Week special and stress-free.
Classic Book Characters
Some characters are timeless and instantly recognisable, making them perfect choices for Book Week costumes. One easy idea is Matilda from Roald Dahl’s much-loved book. To create this look, all you need is a simple blue dress, a red ribbon for the hair, and a book for your child to carry.
Another classic option is Harry Potter. You can make a Hogwarts-inspired costume with a black robe (or even a large black T-shirt), a striped scarf, round glasses, and a wand made from a painted stick or a chopstick.
Animal Characters
Animal characters are always a hit with younger kids and can be put together quickly. For example, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a fun and colourful option. You can make a simple costume using a green T-shirt and green leggings for the body and craft red and green paper antennae attached to a headband.
Another easy animal character is Peter Rabbit. Dress your child in a blue jacket or cardigan, brown pants, and add bunny ears, which can be made from felt or cardboard. Carrying a small basket or toy carrot will complete the look.
Australian Favourites
Many families like to celebrate Australian authors and stories during Book Week. A great example is Possum Magic by Mem Fox. You can dress your child in grey or brown clothes, add a homemade possum tail using a stuffed sock, and create simple possum ears on a headband.
Another beloved Australian character is Wombat from Wombat Stew. For this, use brown clothes, make a simple wombat nose with face paint, and create ears from felt or paper.
Fairy Tale and Fantasy Characters
Fairy tale and fantasy books provide endless inspiration for Book Week costumes. Little Red Riding Hood is a classic choice and is easy to make with a red hooded cape or a red scarf tied over your child’s head, paired with a simple dress. For boys or girls who love magic, you can create a wizard or fairy costume using items you already have at home, such as a sparkly skirt, a wand, or a pointed hat made from cardboard.
Funny and Quirky Characters
If your child enjoys funny or quirky stories, there are plenty of characters to choose from. For example, the character of Where’s Wally (also known as Where’s Waldo) is easy and recognisable. You only need a red-and-white striped shirt, blue pants, round glasses, and a red beanie. Another fun idea is Mr. Strong from the Mr. Men series. Dress your child in all red and add a large red square made from cardboard with a happy face drawn on it.
DIY Tips for Book Week Costumes
When creating a Book Week costume, remember that simple is often best. Start by looking at what you already have at home. Many costumes can be made by combining basic clothes in the right colours and adding a few handmade or store-bought accessories. For example, a crown, a cape, or a special hat can turn ordinary clothes into a character look. Face paint can also make a big difference, especially for animal characters or anything that needs a special nose or whiskers.
If you’re short on time, don’t worry about making the costume perfect. The most important thing is that your child feels excited and confident in their outfit. Focus on having fun with the process and let your child help make the costume if they want to. This can turn the preparation into a fun family activity.
Costumes That Celebrate Reading
One of the best things about Book Week is that it helps kids connect with the stories they love. Encourage your child to pick a costume based on a book they really enjoy. This could be a character they admire, find funny, or even one that reminds them of themselves. Wearing a costume that comes from a favourite book can help strengthen your child’s love of reading and make the day even more meaningful.
Avoiding Stress and Last-Minute Panic
It’s easy to feel stressed when you’re busy and time is running short. To avoid last-minute panic, try to plan your child’s costume a few days in advance. Sit down together, make a simple list of what you need, and check what you already have at home.
Remember that Book Week is about celebrating books and stories, not about having the most perfect or expensive costume. Most schools and teachers appreciate creativity and effort far more than perfection. If you’re really stuck, reach out to other parents or check if the school has a costume swap or loan program.
Book Week is a wonderful opportunity for children to celebrate their favourite books and characters. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can put together an easy DIY costume that your child will love wearing.
Whether you go for a classic book character, a funny favourite, or an Aussie icon, the key is to keep it simple, fun, and connected to a story your child enjoys. So gather some simple materials, get creative, and enjoy making this year’s Book Week a memorable and joyful event for your family.
