10 Easy Book Week Costumes Inspired by Kids Classics
Marketing & Graphic Design Manager | Creativity Queen | Parties, Animals & Nature Lover
Chantel is a Brisbane-based marketing and graphic designer who thinks through visualisations and plans through ipad sketchs. You will find her planning themed parties, renovating houses and caravans, as well as upcycling furniture.
1. Rainbow Fish
Book: Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
The story of a beautiful fish with shimmering scales. Proud and unwilling to share his scales, the Rainbow Fish becomes lonely. Seeking advice from a wise octopus, he learns that sharing will bring him happiness. As he gives away his scales, he gains friends and discovers the joy of kindness and generosity.
DIY: A Rainbow Fish costume can be as simple as a blue shirt and pants adorned with colorful, shiny scales. Add a touch of glitter and a homemade fin to complete the look.
If you would like an all-in-one look, we have designed a beautiful dress inspired by this colourful storybook, which comes complete with headband:
2. Possum Magic
Book: Possum Magic by Mem Fox
This longterm favourite book tells the story of Grandma Poss, who uses her magic to make her granddaughter Hush invisible to protect her from dangers in the Australian bush. One day, Hush wants to be visible again, so the two set off on a journey across Australia to find the magical food that will reverse the spell. Along the way, they enjoy various Australian delicacies and eventually succeed in making Hush visible again.
DIY: To create a Hush costume, dress your child in grey or brown clothing and add a homemade possum tail and ears. A small pot of "magic" glitter can be a fun accessory.
Our brand new possum onesie, inspired by Possum Magic, is the cutest choice for both students and teachers this Book Week. Complete with an apron too!
3. Matilda
Book: Matilda by Roald Dahl
"Matilda" by Roald Dahl is about a brilliant girl who uses her telekinetic powers to overcome her neglectful parents and tyrannical school principal, Miss Trunchbull, ultimately finding happiness with her kind teacher, Miss Honey.
DIY: A blue dress, a red ribbon headband, and a stack of books will transform your child into this beloved character. Don’t forget a determined look to capture Matilda’s spirit.
Newly designed and released, this exclusive costume has been inspired by Matilda, an easy option for those wanting to recreate this magical book character for Book Week:
4. Kookaburra
Book: Who is Laughing? by Eva-Marie Welsh
Bluey the Laughing Kookaburra disturbs various birds with his loud calls, only to be kept awake by the bush stone curlew’s calls when he tries to sleep. This story about the kookaburra and its laughter makes for a fun costume.
DIY: Use brown and white clothes to mimic a kookaburra’s feathers, and create a beak mask using cardboard. Add a few feathers to a cap for an authentic touch.
Or browse our gorgeous Kookaburra costumes, perfect for those who want an easy all-in-one costume:
5. Galah
Book: Where is Galah? by Sally Morgan
Dingo is on the prowl. He can see Emu, Swan and Turtle.He can hear Crocodile, Frog and Kookaburra.But where is Galah?The delightful story of finding Galah can inspire a colorful costume.
DIY: Use pink and grey clothes to resemble a galah, and create a beak and feathered wings with fabric or cardboard. A pair of pink socks can be used as talons.
Or browse our beautifully bright Galah costumes, perfect for those who want an easy all-in-one costume:
6. Steve Irwin
Book: Steve Irwin by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Explore the childhood and passion of Steve Irwin, who grew up surrounded by Australia's wildlife, helping his parents care for injured animals at their wildlife refuge, which ignited his lifelong dedication to animal conservation.
DIY: The beloved Crocodile Hunter can be easily brought to life with khaki shorts and a shirt. Add a toy crocodile or snake for authenticity, and practice saying "Crikey!" with enthusiasm. This costume is both simple and iconic.
We make it even easier to create an Irwin look, with our exclusive range of Safari costumes, with interchangeable embroidered patches, including “Wildlife Ranger”:
7. Magician
Book: Bad Bunnies Magic Show by Mini Grey
When the renowned magician Hypno vanishes before a performance, his rabbits, Abra and Cadabra, take over to rescue the show. But are they truly what they appear to be, or is there more to their magical tricks than meets the eye?
DIY: A mischievous bunny from this magical story is an easy costume. Use white or grey clothes, add bunny ears and a fluffy tail, and carry a magic wand. A small cape or magician’s hat can complete the look.
Everything you need, from magician capes, to wands, you can find here:
8. Queen of Hearts
Book: Alice in Wonderland - A Present for the Queen
When Alice learns the White Rabbit does not have a Christmas present for the Queen of Hearts, she decides to help him find the perfect gift.
DIY: Transform into the Queen of Hearts with a red dress, a heart-shaped crown, and a regal attitude. Add heart motifs to the dress and carry a croquet mallet or a deck of cards to represent her iconic "Off with their heads!" declaration.
Whether you’re looking to create a Queen of Hearts costume or other beloved Alice in Wonderland characters, we have beautiful costumes and accessories to bring this theme to life:
9. Madeline
Book: Madeline says Merci by John Bemelmans Marciano
In this story by Ludwig Bemelmans' grandson, Madeline, the spirited French schoolgirl, becomes a mini "Miss Manners," spreading kindness and good behavior throughout Paris, despite occasional mischief like pillow fights and spilled juice.
DIY: Madeline’s signature yellow hat and blue coat make her an easy character to emulate. Pair these with white socks, black shoes, and a red ribbon tie. A small stuffed dog can represent her companion, Genevieve.
Or take a look at our all inclusive costume, inspired by Madeline:
10. Goldilocks
Book: Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Ronne Randall
A classic tale about a curious girl named Goldilocks who enters the house of three bears while they are away. She tries their porridge, chairs, and beds, finding one of each just right. When the bears return and discover her, she wakes up, is frightened, and runs away, learning a lesson about respecting others' property.
DIY: Simple dress, an apron, and some golden curls (a wig or natural hair) will transform your child into Goldilocks. Carrying a small bowl or a teddy bear can add a nice touch. Remember to practice looking a bit surprised, as Goldilocks often is.
One of these lovely Goldilocks inspired dresses will go perfectly with a golden wig:
Book Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate literature and creativity. These easy costumes inspired by classic children’s books are sure to bring joy to both kids and adults.
Happy reading and happy dressing up!
