world book day homework

21 Fun World Book Day Activities (free worksheets & costumes)

Like What You See? Tell Your Friends!

World Book Day is just around the corner. And what better way to celebrate than by engaging in some fun and exciting literary activities with your child?

From book character dress-up days to reading challenges and book scavenger hunts. There are plenty of ways to make this World Book Day one to remember.

In this blog post, we’ve rounded up 21 of the best World Book Day activities that are sure to ignite your child’s love of reading and foster a lifelong appreciation for literature.

And the best part?

We’re also including free worksheets including scavenger hunts, kid’s book reports, coloring pages, best books for kids , and more.

So whether you’re looking for a creative way to inspire your child’s imagination or simply hoping to make reading a more integral part of your daily routine. These activities are sure to do the trick.

From Roald Dahl coloring pages to book scavenger hunts, we’ve got everything you need to make this World Book Day a success!

So let’s dive in and explore the world of literature together.

**There may be affiliate links in this post. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.**

Table of Contents

What holidays around the world celebrate books?

These fun holiday activities for kids can be used on any holiday related to books, these are the most popular in the UK and America:

• World Book Day UK: First Monday in March
• Read Across America Week: starting March 2nd (Dr. Suess’s birthday)
• Children’s Book Day: April 2nd
• World Book Day: April 23rd
• Book Lovers Day: August 9th
• Read a book day: September 7th
• Roald Dahl Day: September 13th

World Book Day free printables

Looking for free and printable resources to celebrate World Book Day with your child and promote their love of reading?

Our collection of free World Book Day worksheets is just what you need!

Featuring a range of engaging activities inspired by classic children’s books, these resources offer a unique opportunity to promote literacy, critical thinking, and a love of reading.

With worksheets for all age groups and reading levels, you can choose the activities that best suit your child’s interests and learning style.

Simply print out the worksheets and let the reading fun begin! Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or simply a book lover, these resources are the perfect way to celebrate World Book Day in style!

• Book scavenger hunt
• My favorite book worksheet
• Free printable bookmarks to color
• Reading log printable
• Free printable summer reading log
• Compare and contrast movie and book template
• 3rd grade book report template
• Middle school book report template

Book unit studies

Book unit studies for kids are an excellent educational tool as they provide an engaging and immersive approach to literature.

By delving into the lives and works of famous authors through research bundles, coloring pages, and unit studies, children can develop a deeper appreciation for literature. Enhance their reading comprehension skills, and foster creativity and critical thinking abilities.

Kids could benefit from a book unit study for several reasons:

• exploring famous authors through research bundles allows children to learn about their background, inspirations, and writing styles, giving them valuable insights into the literary world.
• coloring pages featuring children’s authors can ignite a sense of creativity and artistic expression while reinforcing the visual association between authors and their works.
• Famous authors research bundle
• Children’s authors coloring pages
• Children’s authors research unit study
• Dr Seuss unit study
• Eric Carle unit study
• Roald Dahl unit study

Roald Dahl activities

Experience a whimsical celebration on Roald Dahl Day with an array of exciting activities inspired by the legendary author.

Engage in the enchantment of his storytelling by organizing Roald Dahl-themed games, exploring his captivating books, and immersing yourself in creative endeavors like coloring pages and crafts.

Whether it’s solving word searches, creating bookmarks, or embarking on a comprehensive unit study, these Roald Dahl Day activities are sure to spark imagination and foster a love for his extraordinary tales:

• Best Roald Dahl books for kids
• Roald Dahl memory game
• Matilda worksheet
• Roald Dahl word search
• Roald Dahl bookmarks
• Roald Dahl maths worksheets
• Roald Dahl coloring pages

Roald Dahl Guess Who Template $5 $6.99

Roald Dahl Unit Study $1.50

Shakespeare activities

Looking to inspire a love for Shakespeare in your child?

Discover effective strategies on how to teach your child Shakespeare, making his timeless works accessible and engaging. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a parent eager to delve into the world of literature, introducing Shakespeare can be a transformative experience for both you and your child.

Additionally, explore a wide selection of Shakespeare books for kids , specially designed to introduce young readers to the enchanting world of the bard. Fostering their appreciation for his literary genius while igniting their imagination and curiosity.

Check out our favorite gifts for Shakespeare lovers too and treat the kids this World Book Day.

The best World Book Day costumes for kids & teachers

Get ready for World Book Day with our comprehensive guide to the best costumes for kids and teachers.

From Harry Potter to Matilda and everything in between, our list features a range of classic and modern literary characters that are sure to impress.

Whether you’re a teacher looking to inspire your students or a parent looking to help your child stand out in the classroom, our guide is the perfect place to start.

So why not explore our list today and get ready to celebrate World Book Day in style?

Book Costumes for Kids

Addams Family Wednesday Addams Costume

Get ready to rock that gothic-chic look with the Addams Family Wednesday Addams Costume!

Based on the iconic character from the Addams Family books.

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Oompa Loompa

Oompa Loompa, do-ba-dee-doo! Let your kid become the life of the party with the Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Oompa Loompa costume.

They'll be ready to sing, dance, and spread joy while rocking those funky, colorful threads.

Butterfly Wings

Flutter into World Book Day like a majestic butterfly with these beautiful Butterfly Wings!

Your little one can transform into a magical creature, ready to explore the enchanting world of books.

With these wings, they'll be the most dazzling and whimsical bookworm around!

Cat in the Hat Kids Costume

Your child can bring Dr. Seuss' mischievous feline to life with this iconic outfit.

They'll be up to all sorts of playful antics, spreading laughter and rhymes wherever they go. It's time to unleash their inner mischief-maker!

Harry Potter Costume

Grab your wands and robes because it's time for a magical adventure with the Harry Potter Costume!

Your kid can become the wizarding hero they've always admired, casting spells and embarking on epic quests. Get ready for a spellbinding World Book Day!

Peter Pan Costume

Fly to Neverland and back with this delightful Little Adventures Child Peter Pan Costume, perfect for World Book Day!

Your little one will feel just like the boy who never grew up in this high-quality costume.

Book TShirts for Kids

I Could Challenge You To A Battle

This is one of my son's favorite t-shirts!

Show off your brain power with the "I Could Challenge You To A Battle of Wits" Shakespeare t-shirt!

Let everyone know that you're not just a bookworm, but also a master of wit and words.

It's the perfect tee for all those Shakespeare enthusiasts ready to engage in some intellectual banter!

The Amazing Spider-Man Comic Book Cover T-Shirt

Swing into action with the "The Amazing Spider-Man Comic Book Cover" t-shirt!

Whether you're a web-slinging hero or just a fan of the friendly neighborhood Spidey. This tee is perfect for showcasing your love for the iconic Marvel character.

Just A Girl Who Loves Books T-Shirt

Make a bold statement with the "Just A Girl Who Loves Books" t-shirt. Show the world that you're not just any ordinary girl - you're a book-loving powerhouse!

With this tee, you can proudly display your passion for reading and inspire others to pick up a good book too.

Book Costumes for Teachers

Professor Mcgonagall Costume

Get ready to cast a spell on World Book Day with the Professor McGonagall Costume!

As a teacher, you'll channel the strict yet fiercely intelligent Hogwarts professor.

With a touch of magic and a dash of authority, you'll be ready to guide your students through the enchanting world of literature.

Harry Potter Costume for Adults

As a teacher, you can bring the magic of Hogwarts to life, inspiring your students.you'll captivate your students with the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, encouraging them to explore their imagination and embrace the joy of reading. Get ready to bring some rhyming fun to your classroom!

Just be sure to brush up on your spells and keep an eye out for any mischievous Marauders!

Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat

You'll captivate your students with the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, encouraging them to explore their imagination and embrace the joy of reading.

Get ready to bring some rhyming fun to your classroom!

Chocolate Factory Worker Costume

Take a sweet journey to the Chocolate Factory. As a teacher, you can become the guide through the delectable world of Roald Dahl, sparking your students' imagination and instilling a love for creativity.

Just be prepared for some tempting chocolatey temptations along the way!

Mary Poppins Costume

Step into the shoes of the practically perfect Mary Poppins.

Up until recently, I thought Mary Poppins was a film first. But I was wrong P.L. Travers wrote the story of Mary Poppins before the film.

I highly recommend you share this box set with your students too.

Women's Book Character Costume

Embrace your inner royalty with the yellow princess costume!

As a teacher, you can captivate your students with tales of princesses, knights, and magical kingdoms.

Whether it's Cinderella, Belle, or a character from your favorite fairy tale, this costume will add a touch of enchantment to your World Book Day celebrations.

Book T Shirts for Teachers

I Still Read Children Books T-Shirt

Show off your love for children's literature with this t-shirt!

As a teacher, you'll proudly display your dedication to sharing the joy and magic of childhood stories.

Get ready to spark imaginations and create lifelong readers!

Octopus Reading Book T-Shirt

Dive into the depths of knowledge with this t-shirt! Perfect for teachers and librarians. You'll demonstrate your multitasking skills and love for reading, inspiring your students to explore the wonders of the literary world.

With this shirt, you'll be the coolest teacher under the sea!

I Will Read Books On A Boat & Everywhere T-Shirt

You'll show your students that reading knows no boundaries and can be enjoyed anywhere, from the cozy corners of a boat to the farthest reaches of the imagination.

Get ready to inspire a love for reading that knows no limits!

I Have No Shelf Control Tee

I have no shelf control is one of my favorite t-shirts!

Proudly display your ever-growing collection of books and your insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Get ready to show your students that books are meant to be cherished and cherished again!

A Day Without Reading is like T-Shirt

With this t-shirt you'll remind everyone that a day without diving into the pages of a good book is like missing out on a world of adventures, knowledge, and inspiration.

Get ready to inspire your students to make every day a reading day!

World Book Day T-shirt

Celebrate World Book Day with this adorable and stylish graphic t-shirt.

Featuring a cute and colorful design, this t-shirt is both fun and practical, and is sure to become a favorite wardrobe staple for any literature lover.

Last Updated on 1 May 2024 by Clare

I would love to have this pdf for my English classes Thankl you very much

Please go to the free printable you would like to download and then scroll to the bottom of that page and look for a blue box. Add your name and email address and you will be sent the file immediately. For more help please check out our FAQs: https://www.homeschoolof1.com/faqs/

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Topical and themed
• Early years
• Special needs
• Schools directory
• Resources Jobs Schools directory News Search

Celebrate World Book Day!

Primary english, tes resources team.

Ignite your pupils' reading inspiration with these engaging World Book Day 2024 resources

7 March marks World Book Day 2024 when learners of all ages come together to celebrate their favourite authors, illustrators, books and, of course, reading! This year, we're celebrating with World Book Day who are putting children's voices first with Read Your Way, encouraging everyone to let go of pressure and expectations to give children a choice - and a chance - to enjoy reading. 

So why not celebrate World Book Day with your pupils and explore the pleasures of reading with this selection of primary and secondary ideas from World Book Day?

Resources for early years and primary pupils

World Book Day 2024: Early Years and Foundation Guide

World Book Day 2024: Primary Schools Guide

World Book Day 2024 Primary Staff Briefing

World Book Day Primary Assembly

World Book Day 2024 1/ 1.50 books poster for Early Years and Primary settings

Resources for secondary learners.

World Book Day 2024: Secondary School Guide

World Book Day 2024 Secondary Staff Briefing

World Book Day 2024 Secondary Assembly

World Book Day 2024 1/ 1.50 poster for Secondary schools

Resources for the whole school.

How to Choose a Book Teacher s Guide

How to Choose a Book Children s Guide

World Book Day 2024 - Sample Letter to Parents and Carers

World Book Day 2024 Read Your Way Poster

World Book Day read for wellbeing poster

Bedrock Learning has won the Best Secondary EdTech Resource award at the BETT Awards 2024!

World Book Day mini activity pack

By Dylan Davies

Make the most out of World Book Day and immerse your learners in rich vocabulary with our mini activity pack. We inspire learners to have fun with reading through engaging creative activities.

Our free World Book Day printable contains:

• Design your own book, where learners can bring their creative visions to life
• Creative writing task, encouraging learners to use ambitious Tier 2 vocabulary
• Template where learners can write letters to their favourite authors!

Perfect for in-class or at home, our World Book Day mini activity pack immerses learners in the love of reading, all while improving their literacy.

Happy World Book Day!

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

• Global news & analysis
• Expert opinion
• Special features
• FirstFT newsletter
• Videos & Podcasts
• Android & iOS app
• FT Edit app
• 10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

• FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, weekend print + standard digital, weekend print + premium digital.

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• Global news & analysis
• Exclusive FT analysis
• FT App on Android & iOS
• FirstFT: the day's biggest stories
• 20+ curated newsletters
• Follow topics & set alerts with myFT
• FT Videos & Podcasts
• 20 monthly gift articles to share
• Lex: FT's flagship investment column
• 15+ Premium newsletters by leading experts
• FT Digital Edition: our digitised print edition
• Weekday Print Edition
• Videos & Podcasts
• Premium newsletters
• 10 additional gift articles per month
• FT Weekend Print delivery
• Everything in Standard Digital
• Everything in Premium Digital

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• 10 monthly gift articles to share
• Everything in Print

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition

• Ireland / Éire
• Wales / Cymru
• £1/€1.50 Books
• Celebrating World Book Day
• £1/€1.50 Book Archive
• Register for World Book Day
• Fun reading activities
• World of Stories free audiobooks
• Share a Story Corner Video Stories
• Reading Recommendations
• Competitions
• World Book Day Book Club
• Dressing up
• Activity Bank
• Sign up to our newsletter
• Overcoming Barriers to Reading for Pleasure
• Reading for Pleasure resources
• MC Grammar’s World Book Day Songs
• Fundraising pack

Shop to support

• Game On for World Book Day
• World Book Day badges
• Fundraising events
• Pay in your fundraising
• Using World Book Day® and logo
• Authors & Illustrators
• Booksellers
• Corporate Partnerships
• Charity and Not for Profit Organisations

• For Families

Activities and advice for sharing stories together as a family not just on World Book Day, but every day of the year.

• For Educators

Ideas to celebrate World Book Day plus resources for supporting reading for pleasure all year round.

World Book Day 2025

Put  6 March 2025 in your diary for World Book Day 2025! Sign up to our newsletter to hear more about the campaign launching this September.

Photo: NPR Photography

Our brilliant partners are donating a percentage of their sales to support our charity. From sweatshirts and dresses to jewellery and bookmarks, show off your love of reading and help change lives!

World of Stories – free audiobooks

A brand-new collection of fantastic, free audiobooks has landed! We have a large range suitable for all ages, providing a great way to enjoy books with family or friends, or by listening on your own.

You can find more audiobooks with our official audio partner, Yoto , via the  Yoto App .

Share a Story Corner

Our video stories have familiar characters, easy to follow stories, and tips for reading together with your little ones. Snuggle up and enjoy our latest story, Elmer.

By making a donation or raising funds for World Book Day, you can help us change lives through a love of books and reading. Download our 2024 fundraising pack which is full of ideas to get you started.

Latest News

World book day®announces new trustees.

WORLD BOOK DAY® ANNOUNCES NEW TRUSTEES New appointments boost industry expertise for the reading charity. World Book Day has announced […]

World Book Night 2024

World Book Night is a national celebration of reading and books for adults and young people presented by The Reading Agency, taking […]

Judgement and expectations are putting children off reading

New research shows that 1 in 5 kids feel judged for what they read, while a quarter are made to […]

#WorldBookDay

Sign up to receive our newsletter, useful links.

• £1/€1.50 Books & Tokens
• Fundraising
• Work with us
• LÁ DOMHANDA NA LEABHAR ÉIRE | WORLD BOOK DAY IRELAND
• Diwrnod y Llyfr Cymru World Book Day Wales
• World Book Day Scotland
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Illustrator

World Book Day Ltd, 6 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR. World Book Day® is a charity sponsored by National Book Tokens. Registered charity number 1079257 (England and Wales) | Registered company number 03783095 (UK).

126 easy last-minute World Book Day costume ideas for 2024

We've loads of brilliantly simple costume ideas for World Book Day. There's no sewing involved (although there may be some glue!) and we've included lots of clever ways to re-use princess, witch, animal and pirate outfits, as well as great props for children who don't really want to do dressing up

• Helen Brown
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter
• Share on pinterest
• Share on whatsapp
• Share on reddit
• Share on tumblr

World Book Day is on Thursday 7 March in 2024 , although many schools and nurseries may decide to celebrate it on Friday 8 March to round the school week off with some costumed fun. If you’re looking for easy, last-minute World Book Day costumes that are simple to put together but look fantastic, we've got a great selection for you right here.

Our no-sew costumes can be made using things you'll probably already have at home (or could quickly order online). We've even included ideas for re-purposing costumes you may already have – including pirate, witch and skeleton outfits, animal, fairy and ballerina costumes and princess dresses.

And, of course, if your child really doesn't like dressing up, there are plenty of ideas for 'costumes' where the main character in the book wears regular, everyday clothes – so all your child will need to do is hold a prop or maybe just brandish a copy of the book.

For each of our World Book Day costume ideas, we've listed out what you'll need to create it, including props and clothes (and a link to buy the book, if you don't have it already). Plus, where we can, we’ve included a pic of a child in the costume, as shared by one of the brilliant parents in our MadeForMums community , so you can get an idea of the finished 'look' you're after.

Here's our pick of easy, last-minute World Book Day Costume ideas you can put together super-quick...

1. superworm.

What you'll need:

More like this

• Pink clothes
• Pink cape or pink material to wear as a cape (optional)
• Pink headband — use paper and a pen to draw 2 big worm eyes to stick to the headband

Buy Superworm

• Blue top and trousers
• Bandage (if you have one) or toilet roll (if you don’t) to wind around your child's head and middle

We've also got a brilliant idea for dressing up as Mr Strong – see idea number 36.

Buy Mr Bump

3. Paddington

• Blue coat or blue clothes
• Suitcase (optional)

Buy Paddington

4. Mr Twit from The Twits

• A fake beard (buy one online or make one with dark brown wool)
• Dark, messy clothes
• A paintbrush and pot

Buy The Twits

5. Witch from Room on the Broom

• Dark coloured trousers or skirt
• Witch's hat and broomstick, if you have them
• Wand made from yellow card on a stick
• Toy cat (optional)

Buy Room on the Broom

6. Supertato

• Black belt with cardboard S stuck on the buckle
• Brown clothes
• Mask (band of black paper with eye holes cut out)
• Red material/shirt for cape

Buy Supertato

7. Gangsta Granny

• Bandit eye mask (or paint one on with black face paint). Or glasses – to make some, see these downloadable step-by-step instructions
• Pink or mauve jumper or cardie
• White shirt with 'Granny style’ collar
• Tights – preferably too big, so they can wrinkle around the ankles
• Sack-style bag filled with scrumpled up paper (so it's not too heavy)
• A headscarf (with rollers in the hair) or, if you're feeling creative a granny wig – see these downloadable step-by-step instructions

Buy Gangsta Granny

8. Burglar Bill

• Stripey jumper
• Bandit eye mask (often comes with superhero costume) or draw one on with face paint
• Swag bag filled with crumpled-up paper (or cuddly toy!)

Buy Burglar Bill

9. Alice in Wonderland

• White apron/pinny

Buy Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

10. Sparkle Boy

What you’ll need:

• Top and jeans
• Bead necklace
• Sparkly nail varnish

Buy Sparkle Boy

11. Harry Potter/Hermione Granger

• Black cape (often comes with Halloween dressing-up costumes)
• White shirt
• Normal school trousers/skirt, stick (for a wand)
• Stripey tie or scarf
• For Harry only: glasses – use the downloadable glasses template from the Gangsta Granny costume, above, and colour them black
• For Harry only: red face paint or lip pencil to draw on his forehead scar

Buy Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

12. A Smed or a Smoo

• Red or blue clothes
• Red or blue face paint
• Green wig or washable, spray-on hair dye (optional)
• A paper cup — paint it red or blue, cut the bottom out and attach to string

Buy The Smeds and The Smoos

13. Charlie Bucket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

• Scruffy clothes or an old jumper/cardigan
• A golden ticket – use some yellow card or cut out a section of a yellow cereal box, then write 'Golden Ticket' on the reverse side

We've also got a brilliant idea for dressing up as Charlie's Golden Ticket – see idea number 29.

Buy Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

14. A unicorn from the 'That's Not My Unicorn...'

• White or light-coloured top
• Tutu or bright skirt
• Unicorn headband if you have one (or you can make a horn using rolled-up card and attach it to a regular headband)

Buy That's not My Unicorn...

15. Peter Rabbit

• Blue jacket
• Brown trousers
• Face paint or eyebrow pencil – to draw on bunny whiskers
• Bunny ears – made with cardboard and taped to a headband
• Bag of carrots (optional)

Buy The Complete Adventures of Peter Rabbit

16. Wally from Where's Wally?

• Stripey hat
• Stripey top
• Stripey socks or tights — if you have them
• Round glasses — use the downloadable glasses template from the Gangsta Granny costume, above, and colour them black

Buy Where's Wally?

17. Bella Broomstick

• Long black dress (or black top and black skirt)
• Green stars (can be made from cutting green felt or card and attaching to the skirt)

Buy Bella Broomstick: Halloween Havoc

More witch costume ideas...

• Orange or beige pants
• Old orange clothing or fabric you can cut up and glue/stitch to the top to make wings
• Yellow/orange card to create a Zog-shaped mask with ears and a horn, plus a star you can stick to the chest
• Orange shoes or slippers (optional)

24. Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family

• A dark dress
• A white collar — use a school shirt underneath the dress
• Black tights
• Black shoes or boots
• Black lipstick or face paint (optional)

Buy The Addams Family: Story of the Movie

25. Billionaire Boy

• Grey or dark trousers
• Big white top
• A wallet full of money (make fake notes with paper or use Monopoly money)
• For a more fun idea — if you've got time — you can stick the fake money onto the top (as shown in the middle picture above)

Buy Billionaire Boy

26. Tracy Beaker

• Red stripey top
• Messy dark hair (use washable spray-on hair dye or a wig, if your child's hair isn't the right colour)
• Sleeveless denim jacket (optional)

Buy The Story of Tracy Beaker

27. The Snail and the Whale

• Black T-shirt
• White fabric paint to draw on the snail trail message
• Toy snail to glue or pin onto the shoulder of the T-shirt (optional)
• Stuffed whale toy (optional)

Buy The Snail and the Whale

28. Elmer the Elephant

• Bright coloured top
• An elephant mask: to make this, stick squares of coloured paper on 1 side of 3 paper plates, then sticking the plates together in a line, cut holes for the eyes in the centre plate, trim the side plates into ear shapes
• White paper or card, cut into tusk shapes and attached to the mask
• Brown paper or card, folded accordion-style, for the trunk (optional)

29. Charlie Bucket's Golden Ticket

• An old pillowcase
• Gold paint (or pick a yellow pillowcase!)
• Fabric/maker pen for writing words

30. Happy Birthday, Blue Kangaroo

• Pink ribbon in hair
• Blue kangaroo toy (optional)

Buy Happy Birthday, Blue Kangaroo

31. Mr Bean

• Grey or black school trousers
• Tweed blazer
• Tie, preferably red

Buy Mr Bean's Entertaining Escapades

32. Matilda

• A dress, preferably blue
• White cardigan (optional)
• Red hair ribbon (if possible)
• White socks
• Black shoes
• Small pile of books

Buy Matilda

33. Aliens Love Underpants

• Underpants worn over trousers
• Green clothing
• Alien antennae or headband (optional)
• Spaceship made from cardboard and tin foil (optional)

Buy Aliens Love Underpants

34. The Cat In The Hat

• Black leggings
• White gloves
• Stripey hat – you can make this using a tube of white card and then adding a rim and painting on red stripes
• Whiskers – drawn on with an eye pencil or face paints

Buy The Cat in the Hat

35. The Man on the Moon (A Day in the Life of Bob)

• White onesie (you can get astronaut-themed ones online)
• Blow-up alien or alien toy

Buy The Man on the Moon

36. Mr Strong

• Red trousers
• Cardboard box covered in red paper with black eyes and mouth drawn on one side and holes made for head, arms and legs

Buy Mr Strong

37. George’s Marvellous Medicine

• Spoon covered in tin foil
• Old shampoo bottle with ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’ label

Buy George’s Marvellous Medicine

38. One of the Ten Little Pirates

• Stripey T-shirt
• Pirate hat made from cardboard or a bandana

Buy 10 Little Pirates

More pirate costume ideas

• Blue shorts and socks
• Yellow fabric to knot around the neck
• Blue bobble hat (or you can make a more pointy blue felt hat)
• Red cheeks – use blusher or red face paint

Buy Noddy: Toyland Detective

44. Interstellar Cinderella

• Cardboard box ‘jetpack’
• A tool (e.g. toy spanner) or tool box
• Ordinary clothes

Buy Interstellar Cinderella

45. Jack and the Beanstalk

• Light brown trousers
• Crown (optional)
• Beanstalk made from a painted cardboard tube and green leaves cut out of cardboard

Buy Jack and the Beanstalk

46. Morrigan Crow from the Nevermoor series

• Black dress or skirt and top
• Red hairband
• Black boots

Buy Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

47. Willie from Goodnight Mister Tom

• Dark coat or plain-coloured sweater
• Small box (Willie's gas mask box) tied with string to hang from your child's shoulder (optional)

Buy Goodnight Mister Tom

48. Madeline

• White blouse or shirt
• Blue pinafore or dress
• Black school shoes
• Red tie or scarf
• Straw hat (optional)

Buy Madeline

49. Harry from Harry and His Bucketful of Dinosaurs

• Normal clothes – with dinosaur details, if possible
• Small bucket containing toy dinosaurs

Buy Harry & His Bucketful of Dinosaurs

50. Fantastic Mr Fox

• Jacket/blazer
• Colourful scarf/bow tie
• Fox head (if you're feeling creative), made from cardboard or papier mâché, with milk bottle tops for eyes and pipe cleaners for the whiskers
• Alternatively, use cardboard to make fox ears to attach to a headband, and face-paint some foxy whiskers
• Brown scarf – attach at the waist for a tail

Buy Fantastic Mr Fox

51. Mrs Fox from Fantastic Mr Fox

• Dress and cardigan
• Old hair band
• Faux fur to attach to the headband

52. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

• Green card and red card
• Sparkly green paper to decorate

Buy The Very Hungry Caterpillar

53. The Very Hungry Caterpillar – part two

• An old sheet, painted in butterfly colours
• Butterfly eye mask (optional)

54. Snow White

• A white shirt
• A long skirt
• Blue hair ribbon
• A red apple

Buy Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

55. Jonah And The Whale

• Wig and beard wig – or lots of brown wool
• A white sheet or white T-shirt and trousers
• A large scarf – to make a sash
• A whale, made out of a large drinks bottle with googly eyes and big flappy cardboard tail and fins

Buy Jonah and the Whale

56. Daddy Fox from Fox And The Ghost Hunt King

• Plain or white T-shirt
• Some cardboard, paint, scissors and string – for the mask
• A fox soft toy, if you've got one

Buy The Fox and the Ghost King

57. An English dictionary

• Old T-shirt
• Old leggings
• Fabric/marker pen for writing words

Buy Oxford English Dictionary

58. A Welsh dictionary

• Large piece of folded card or a cardboard box with 1 side removed
• Coloured pens to decorate it with words from the dictionary (it doesn't have to be a Welsh one!)

Buy the Welsh-English Picture Dictionary for Children

59. Riley from Riley Can Be Anything

• School blazer or jacket

Buy Riley Can Be Anything

60. Oi Frog

• Green skirt and tights or green trousers
• Green frog mask or hat made of cardboard

Buy Oi Frog!

• Grey top and leggings
• Grey or white socks
• Hairband with grey cardboard cat ears
• Grey scarf tied around waist for a tail

Buy: Mog the Forgetful Cat

Got an animal costume?

68. The Boy In The Dress

Buy The Boy in the Dress

69. Pippi Longstocking

• Blue dress or dungarees
• Red T-shirt or bits of fabric, glued on like patches
• Stripey tights
• Hair in piglet plaits – you can plait in some thin, bendy wire to make them really stick out sideways

Buy Pippi Longstocking Goes Abroad

70. A Roman from Rotten Romans

• A white sheet, wrapped like a toga ( check out this WikiHow ). And do put something under it, like a long-sleeved top and leggings, or it could get chilly!

Buy Rotten Romans

71. Billy from Billy's Bucket

• Beige pants
• Bright bucket

Buy Billy's Bucket

72. Horrid Henry

• Blue and yellow striped shirt (you can sometimes find ones with the Horrid Henry logo on, like in our pic above, on second-hand selling sites such as Vinted)
• Blue or dark trousers/jeans

Buy Horrid Henry

73. Percy the Park Keeper

• Green jumper or shirt
• Stripey braces
• Light-coloured trousers
• Wellington boots

Buy The Rescue Party (one of our favourites from the bestselling Percy the Park Keeper series)

74. Thing 1 and/or Thing 2 from The Cat In The Hat

This is a great one for twins, siblings or friends...

• Red/orange T-shirt and leggings
• White card – on which you can write 'Thing 1' or 'Thing 2' and then pin it on the T-shirt
• Blue wig or washable, spray-on hair dye (optional)

Child with red hair?

81. Dr Alan Grant from Jurassic Park

• Beige trousers
• Denim or blue shirt
• Red neck scarf
• ID pass (optional) made from card and sticky-backed plastic

Buy Jurassic Park

82. Percy Jackson

• Sword made out of cardboard
• Shield made out of cardboard

Buy Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters

83. Mollie from The Wishing Chair

There are (at least) 2 options here because different editions of the book have different outfits for Mollie...

• Blue and white stripey T-shirt with blue denim dungarees OR
• Orange spotty dress

Buy The Wishing Chair Collection

84. One of The Midnight Gang

• Balloon (optional)

Buy The Midnight Gang

Got fairy wings?

89. Angelina Sprocket

• Pink dressing gown or adult shirt
• Patches of different coloured material or paper to glue onto dressing gown/shirt as pockets
• Bobbles to put hair in 3 bunches
• Cheese grater (optional)

Buy Angelina Sprocket's Pockets

90. Angelina Ballerina

• Ballet costume or tutu and pink T-shirt
• Pink cardigan
• Mouse mask or just finger-paint mouse whiskers

Buy Angelina Ballerina

91. Biff from Dogs Don't Do Ballet

• Ballet costume or tutu and pink t-shirt
• White or pink tights
• Black and white face paint
• Add cardboard puppy ears on a headband (optional)

Buy Dogs Don't Do Ballet

More tutu costume ideas:

94. One of the 101 Dalmatians

• White T-shirt
• Black marker to create spots
• White and black face paint (optional)

Buy The One Hundred and One Dalmations

95. Queen of Hearts

• A red or black top and skirt or red or black dress, accessorised with hearts if you have them
• Playing cards, glued together in a wide circle to make a ruff or a hat
• A suitably regal hairstyle

96. Greg from Diary Of A Wimpy Kid

• Black shorts
• White card with Greg's face drawn and cut out (optional)

Buy Diary of a Wimpy Kid

• A pink headscarf
• A notebook for magical ideas

Buy Malala's Magic Pencil

Got a princess outfit?

103. Captain Tom Moore

• White scarf or tie
• Multi-coloured paper to make medals and ribbons

Buy Captain Tom Moore (Little People, BIG DREAMS)

104. Amelia Jane

• 2 bows to make bunches
• Red (ideally patterned) dress
• Patterned tights (don't have to match)
• A little red face paint or blush for the cheeks

Buy The Amelia Jane Collection

105. Sugarlump and The Unicorn

• Pink or white tights
• Unicorn headband — make from adding a paper or cardboard horn to a regular headband

Buy Sugarlump and the Unicorn

106. Mona the Vampire

• Red cardigan
• Black skirt
• White tights
• Purple material for cloak
• Pipe cleaners to section and twist up hair

Buy Mona the Vampire and the Jackpot Disaster

More ideas vampire costume ideas:

110. Stick Man

Pics: Abi Fields and Louise Dzokoto

• A couple of twigs or leaves to hold
• Leaf-shaped scraps of fabric to thread through belt or glue on brown top

Buy Stick Man

111. Betty O'Barley from The Scarecrows' Wedding

• White dress
• Feathers (to stick on to the dress)
• A hat, preferably straw
• Small bouquet of flowers

Buy The Scarecrows' Wedding

112. Captain Underpants

• Light-coloured clothes
• A pair of underpants – to go on top
• A red cape or blanket

Buy The Adventures of Captain Underpants

113. Sophie from The BFG

• Empty glass or plastic jar
• Piece of paper to write 'Sophie's Dreams' on – and stick to your jar

Buy The BFG

Got a skeleton outfit?

117. Goldilocks

• Normal clothes
• 3 teddy bears, preferably in different sizes

Buy Goldilocks and the Three Bears

118. The Paper Bag Princess

• Large takeaway bag
• Flesh-coloured tights
• Pale pink jumper
• Headband with cardboard crown (optional)

Buy The Paper Bag Princess

119. Isadora Moon

• Black dress or black shirt and top
• Black and white stripey tights
• Vampire wings
• Bat hairband (optional)

Buy Isadora Moon Meets the Tooth Fairy

120. Sophie from the Tiger who Came to Tea

• Dark pinafore dress
• Blue/purple shirt
• Pink or purple tights
• Purple ribbon in hair
• Tiger stuffed toy

Buy The Tiger who Came to Tea

121. The Highway Rat

• Leggings (purple, black, blue)
• Black boots/shoes
• Black cape – or black hoodie/jumper knotted over shoulders
• A pirate hat, if you have one

Buy The Highway Rat

122. Lily Bobtail

• Headband (add cardboard bunny ears)
• Pink cardie
• Pink/red dress

Buy Lily's Party Time

123. The Jolly Postman

• Smart trousers (pref navy)
• Smart jumper or blazer (pref navy)
• Shirt and tie
• Smart shoes
• Over the shoulder bag
• Some envelopes

Buy The Jolly Postman

124. Lola from Big Hair, Don't Care

• Pink headband
• Pink vest top

Buy Big Hair Don't Care

And if you've got a bit more time to do a spot of paper mâché...

125. the gruffalo.

We've put together a how-to video for this papier mache Gruffalo mask , which is super-quick to make – although you'll need to remember to factor in some drying time.

• Masking tape
• Paints and marker pen
• Tissue paper

Watch the full Make a Gruffalo mask video tutorial

Buy The Gruffalo

126. Aslan from The Chronicles Of Narnia

We've put together a how-to for this easy-to-make papier mache lion mask.

• Paint and marker pen

Watch the full Make a Lion mask video tutorial

Buy The Complete Chronicles of Narnia

Additional research by Emily Longman Wall

• Is it a cop out to go as a Disney princess on World Book Day?
• Easter egg hunts for all ages: free printable clues
• 10 questions to ask when visiting a primary school

Helen is author of the classic advice book Parenting for Dummies and a mum of 3. Before joining MadeForMums, she was Head of Community at Mumsnet and also the Consumer Editor of Mother & Baby.

How NatPat's wellness patches may help your family

NatPat's range of wellness patches and stickers aim to tackle everything from allergies to lack of focus. We take a closer look at the range.

Advertisement feature with NatPat