Whether it’s your child’s first Book Week or your family are Book Week dress up parade pros; coming up with a costume idea can bring a sense of dread. You want something that’s easy to put together, cost effective and most importantly is something your child wants to wear!
Here are our top 5 Book Week costume ideas that will ensure your little one is a hit at their childcare centre’s Book Week activities.
1.The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This classic story is a great option for a dress up idea. Make a red caterpillar face mask using a paper plate (paint it red) or a red plastic plate. Paint on some eyes and a mouth. Add a set of cardboard antennas. Sticky tape a piece of string or ribbon on either side of the mask to fit your child’s head.
Cut four circles out of green cardboard and sticky tape together to make the caterpillar body. Add some cardboard legs and a ribbon around the top so the body is easy to wear. Number 29 of 30 is our inspiration for this costume.
2.The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
A simple Gruffalo face that can be worn as a hat makes this costume complete. Follow this tutorial to make the head mask using a paper plate and some coloured pieces of felt (or paint the plate if easier).
3.Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A great one for toddlers as all you need is a white onesie and a cardboard crown. Add a furry tail if you like or get inspired with this DIY version with a fancier felt crown.
4.Animal options
Take a plain headband and add some cardboard mouse or dog ears. Use a black makeup pencil to draw a nose and some whiskers onto your child’s face and you instantly have a perfect Angelina the Ballerina or Hairy Maclary.
5.Use what you have in the dress up box
Most families have a dress up box that is loaded with Book Week costume ideas so you don’t need to make or purchase anything else. Superheroes and Disney characters all have matching storybooks that are legitimate Book Week options.
There’s no need to spend a fortune buying a Book Week costume; some cardboard, a little bit of paint or taking a look through the dress up box is all you need to tick “organise Book Week costume” off your to do list.
