Book Week Costume Ideas

📚 Book Week Costume Panic (Already?)

Yes, it’s only July. No, it’s not too early to start panicking.

Book Week 2025 is just around the corner (official dates: August 16–23), and the early signs of stress, inspiration and “Can we just wear last year’s unicorn again?” are already lighting up the Inner West Mums Facebook group.

This year’s theme — “Book an Adventure!” — offers so much creative potential for dress-ups. Whether your child’s literary adventure takes them deep into the jungle, off to wizarding school, or on a chaotic crawl through a pantry (looking at you, Hungry Caterpillar), there are plenty of ways to bring their favourite book characters to life — without losing your mind (or your weekend).

Book DIY Ideas. Image courtesy of Stockland.

✨ 2025 Front-Runners (And Why They Work)

Some characters are already emerging as this year’s crowd favourites — either for their adventurous spirit, bookish magic or pure convenience:

Bluey & Bingo – They read books and go on adventures. That counts. And let’s be honest, most of us already own the onesie.
Wednesday Addams – Surprisingly literary and a favourite with older kids who want to look cool without trying. Easy to pull together with black basics.
Thelma the Unicorn – Still a hit among preschoolers. If it sparkles and involves a horn, they’re in.
Harry Potter – Capes, wands, glasses — the ultimate school-age costume staple. Still going strong in its millionth year.
The Gruffalo – Both an adventure and a forest creature. Fuzzy hoodies for the win.

🧙‍♀️ Magical & Adventure-Themed Ideas

Looking to lean into this year’s theme — “Book an Adventure”? Here are some ideas that capture that spirit beautifully:

Where the Wild Things Are. Image courtesy of Scholastic.

🏝️ Explorer Vibes

Where the Wild Things Are – All you need is a crown, a onesie, and a sense of chaos.
The 13-Storey Treehouse – PJs and props like rubber chickens or books = imaginative and comfy.
Madeline – Classic, curious, and Parisian-chic. Great for kids who like a bit of vintage flair.

Alice in Wonderland. Image courtesy of Disney.

🧚 Fantasy & Fairytale

Alice in Wonderland – Whimsical and widely recognisable, this one’s great for younger primary kids.
Tinkerbell or Peter Pan – Magical, adventurous, and can be adapted with clothes already in your wardrobe.
The Magic Faraway Tree – Silky, Moon-Face or Saucepan Man — retro, fun and open to interpretation.

The Worst Witch. Image courtesy of ZDF Studios.

🪄 Wizards, Spells & Magical Mayhem

Room on the Broom – Easy win with a witch’s hat, a stuffed cat, and a wooden spoon as a wand.
Meg and Mog – 90s parents will love this throwback. Black dress, striped tights, and a bit of face paint.
The Worst Witch – Older readers can channel Mildred Hubble with a black school outfit and wonky hat.

Image courtesy of Image courtesy of © Feather + Light 2014.

🧵 Low-Effort, High-Impact Costumes

If crafting isn’t your thing, here are a few last-minute, low-lift legends:

Where’s Wally – Red and white tee, beanie, round glasses. Done.
Matilda – Blue dress, red ribbon, and a stack of books. Brilliant and believable.
The Day the Crayons Quit – Dress them in one colour, make a label, and voilà — you’re now the blue crayon.
Diary of a Wombat – Brown trackies + hoodie + ears = adorable and nap-ready.
Any Animal + Any Book – Have a kid obsessed with sloths, dragons or giraffes? Find a book and work backwards from there.

💡 Pro Mum Tips from the Inner West Mums Hive Mind

Ask the teacher – Many schools do a classroom or year theme. It could save you hours.
Weather check – No one wants their cardboard wings to melt in the rain.
Test run the costume – Let them try it on before the big day to avoid tears (theirs or yours).
Comfort is king – If they can’t run, sit, or eat a sandwich in it — rethink.

Kmart Book Week costumes. Image courtesy of Kmart.

🛍️ Where to Shop Local for Costumes

Ditch the panic shipping and support local legends instead:

The Costume Shop (Leichhardt) – Excellent for full outfits and accessories.
Reverse Garbage (Marrickville) – Treasure trove for creative DIYers and sustainable crafters.
Spotlight (Lidcombe or Rockdale) – Tulle, felt, glitter, glue — everything you need in one chaotic aisle.
Kmart Broadway – Your last-minute lifesaver. Especially for unicorns, dinosaurs, and onesies.

Looking for more local costume stores? Check out our review on the best outlets to shop for Halloween costumes for more ideas.

🎭 And If You Just… Can’t This Year

No shame. No judgement. Tape a printed book cover to their shirt and call them “The Page.” Or send them with a favourite book under their arm and let the story speak for itself. After all, Book Week is about reading, not runway shows.

Got a genius costume hack or hilarious past fail? Share it with us on Facebook or tag @innerwestmums on Instagram — we’ll feature our faves!

About Author

Francesca Millena

Writer, foodie and ideas-sponge, Francesca grew up in the Inner West and loves writing about all things IW related from playgrounds and podcasts, restaurants and retail, bubble tea and basketball courts. Mum to an active child, she also knows a thing or two about keeping a little one entertained on a rainy day.

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