World Book Day costume ideas are sometimes all you need, just the inspiration... well, that and copious amounts of eyeliner and imagination.
World Book Day is on Thursday 2nd March 2023, in the UK, the literary event always falls on the first Thursday in March. The day is dedicated to celebrating reading and all things books. You can either chose one of these best World Book Day costumes to buy online (opens in new tab). Or go with one of these easy and last-minute homemade ideas below. And, be sure to take inspiration from some of the best children's books as well as these classic children's book quotes (opens in new tab). While kids tend to love dressing up it can be 'just another thing to do' for parents among the chaos that is family survival life. Goodto.com Family Editor, Stephanie Lowe (opens in new tab) says: "Don't be afraid to recycle whatever you have available. Last year, I sent my son in to nursery in his skeleton Halloween costume, holding a copy of the book Funnybones. Winner! Oh and also, get that eyeliner out - it can be used for so many things!"
We know that not all children love to dress up, and this change from the norm can throw them. Year 6 teacher Chris McDonald says: “World Book Day should be all about the books! Costumes are wonderful, and my favourite ones are usually homemade and simple. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and remember that it’s only one day. If it hasn’t quite turned out the way you planned, don’t worry. The most important thing is that it gets the children talking about their favourite books and characters, and reminds them why reading should be fun!”
World Book Day costume ideas - 42 last-minute and homemade ideas
1. Zog World Book Day costume
Such a great costume idea, reuse a white Dr coat (if you have it) if you don't, a white t shirt or shirt with a 'Dr title' scrawled on it. Then add a Zog dragon toy or the book.
You will need:
- White Dr coat / shirt
- Doctor things (stethoscope etc)
- Zog book/toy
Get the look:
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2. Superworm World Book Day costume
This is a great use of an existing costume if you have it, otherwise just brown top and trousers will work too. Then forage for some leaves to add. If you're feeling particularly crafty take some old cardboard and get drawing the characters from the book.
You will need:
- Brown trousers and top
- Leaves (material or real)
- Pens
- Cardboard
Get the look:
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3. Ada Twist Scientist World Book Day costume
Fans of Ada Twist will love this easy to make World Book Day costume. Find a polka dot dress (or a red one will do) and grab a pair of washing up gloves from the kitchen. Add a pair of safety goggles and you’re done!
You will need:
- A polka dot or red dress
- Washing up gloves
- Safety goggles
Get the look:
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4. Postman Pat World Book Day costume
Everyone’s favourite postman is a really cute choice for nursery and preschool kids. If you’ve got an outfit already in your dressing up box, dig it out. Otherwise blue clothes and a peaked cap will do just as well. Don’t forget to add a little bag for all of those letters!
You will need:
- Postman Pat outfit/Blue clothes
- Peaked cap
- Shoulder bag
Get the look:
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5. The Singing Mermaid World Book Day costume
If you have a fan of mermaids at home then they will no doubt already own a costume of sorts, which makes The Singing Mermaid an easy option. Add a few homemade sea creatures from this Julia Donaldson favourite and you’re good to go.
You will need:
- A mermaid costume
- A wrapping paper inner tube
- Card
- Felt tip pens
Get the look:
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6. Where's Wally? World Book Day costume
A classic book to keep them quiet for ages also works as a super easy costume for you - the clothes you find don't have to be their size, oversized is cuter. Time to raid Dad's wardrobe this time.
You will need:
- Red hat (bonus points if striped)
- Blue and white striped top
- Round glasses OR eyeliner pencil drawn on
Get the look:
(opens in new tab)VIEW BOOK - AMAZON | £6.55 (opens in new tab)
7. Hungry Caterpillar World Book Day costume
Well, the 'after' picture... it's him as a butterfly. Most kids love this book so will find any way possible to go as a character for World Book Day. Cut out a mask from card and get your little one to help you decorate it with strips of colourful tissue paper. You can also add cardboard wings or add a pair of fairy wings from your dressing up box.
You will need:
- Card
- Tissue paper
- Glue
- Butterfly wings (bought or made from cardboard and decorated)
Get the look:
(opens in new tab)VIEW BOOK - AMAZON | £5 (opens in new tab)
8. Bob The Builder World Book Day costume
Firstly, sorry if you're now stuck singing 'Bob The Builder, can we fix it?' on loop. Secondly, this is a super easy costume to pull together after a bit of inspiration. Toolbelt optional. If you don't have one in the toy box, either borrow or forget about it. It's not a deal breaker.
You will need:
- Dungarees
- Checked shirt
- Plastic hardhat
- And something that resembles a belt
Get the look:
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9. Harry Potter Mandrake World Book Day costume
Harry Potter is a popular little wizard among Yr2 and upwards when it comes to World Book Day costume ideas. And here's your time to outdo them all, with this super clever take on the magical plant root, the Mandrake. Just make sure you cut the bottom of the pot out and either sand the edges down or pad with cotton wool, securing with tape.
You will need:
- Brown top and bottoms (or black will do)
- Brown face paint (or the soil affect)
- Green headband
- Leaves (plastic or real)
- Plastic large plant pot
- Braces or string (so secure the plant pot)
- Hot glue
Get the look:
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10. Swan Lake World Book Day costume
If you have a little ballerina at home then a Princess Odette costume from Swan Lake is the perfect choice for World Book Day. If you want to keep things simple, dress them in white and add a homemade mask and a little crown. Or if you fancy getting a bit more creative, you could make a winged cape from white material.
You will need:
- White top and trousers
- White card
- Black and orange felt tips
- Crown (either from the dressing up box or homemade from cardboard)
- White material for wings (optional)
Get the look:
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11. Mr Messy World Book Day costume
Mr Men book characters are really fun to dress up as and you can always find one to suit your child’s personality. If you’re feeling creative you can draw out the front and back on a large piece of card and then simply use string to hang them over your little one’s shoulders. Alternatively you could just get a t-shirt with the character on it - job done!
You will need:
- Two large pieces of white card
- Pink and black paint and paintbrushes
- Pink string
Get the look:
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12. The Scarecrows’ Wedding World Book Day costume
Is there anything cuter than Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay getting married in The Scarecrows’ Wedding? This Julia Donaldson classic is a great one for World Book Day, as it’s pretty easy to pull together with clothes you already have. Grab a pair of dungarees, a checked shirt, a hat and a pair of wellies. Then add a handful of straw and you’re done!
You will need:
- Dungarees
- A checked shirt
- A hat
- Wellies
- Straw
Get the look:
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13. The Gruffalo mouse World Book Day costume
Surely one of the cleverest characters ever to be found in a children’s book, the little mouse from Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo is a sweet World Book Day option. You can make a simple mouse head from a cardboard box and add a few pipecleaners for those cute whiskers.
You will need:
- Cardboard
- Pink and white paints and paintbrushes
- Black marker pen
- Brown pipecleaners
- Brown long sleeved top
Get the look:
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14. Stick Man World Book Day costume
“I’m Stick Man, that’s me!” If you have a child who’s obsessed with sticks, then this is the perfect book choice for World Book Day. The great thing about this costume is that you can also be as inventive as you like. Making a costume from corrugated cardboard provides the perfect texture for bark, or you could just grab some twigs or leaves from the garden and attach them to a brown top.
You will need:
- Corrugated cardboard
- Scissors
- Tape
- White card
- Black marker
- Leaves
Get the look:
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15. David Bowie World Book Day costume
The Little People Big Dreams books are brilliant for introducing little ones to trailblazers in different industries. If you have a music fan at home, then this David Bowie outfit is a super fun one. Find a snazzy outfit and throw on a cape, then grab your face paints and get creative!
You will need:
- Face paints
- A cape
Get the look:
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16. Joke book World Book Day costume
This is the perfect outfit for any little comedians out there and is sure to give teachers a laugh too! It’s also a super easy one to make and you can let your kids help out as well. It will be a good chance to practise their handwriting and spelling.
You will need:
- A plain white t-shirt
- Pens
- Joke book (for inspiration)
Get the look:
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17. What the Ladybird Heard World Book Day costume
Julia Donaldson’s What the Ladybird Heard is a firm favourite in every nursery and preschool. Who doesn’t love the quiet but wise little ladybird? It’s also a cute little costume for World Book Day and it’s a pretty simple one to make from a large piece of card.
You will need:
- A large piece of red card
- Black paint and paintbrush
- Red string
- Black hat
- Two black pipecleaners
- Black long sleeved top
- Red trousers
Get the look:
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18. James and the Giant Peach World Book Day costume
It’s always hard to choose a favourite character from James and the Giant Peach. Is it centipede, earthworm, spider or maybe James himself? Either way, this is a nice simple one for World Book Day and you can even get the kids involved in making it. All you need is some art supplies and a bit of imagination.
You will need:
- A large piece of card
- Orange and black paints and paintbrushes
- Paper and crayons
Get the look:
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19. Doc McStuffins World Book Day costume
While it may have started out as a TV series, there are now so many Doc McStuffins books and this is a really cute option for nursery aged children. It’s also a straight-forward outfit to pull together, you just need a white jacket and a toy stethoscope. Plaits and a hairband are an added bonus!
You will need:
- A white jacket
- Toy stethoscope
Get the look:
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20. Hermione Granger World Book Day costume
If you’ve got an Hermione Granger fan at home, then this is a nice easy costume to pull together. Simply add a black cloak over a shirt and tie and don’t forget that all important wand! This is a great one to reuse when Halloween comes around too.
You will need:
- A black cloak
- Wand
Get the look:
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21. The Big Book of the Blue World Book Day costume
You’ll be spoilt for choice for ideas from The Big Book of the Blue. This turtle shell is easy to make and looks really effective. Just cut out the shape from a large cardboard box and then get creative with paints and glitter glue pens.
You will need:
- Cardboard
- Green and blue paints and paintbrushes
- Glitter pens
- String
Get the look:
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22. Spiderman World Book Day costume
Don’t be afraid to reuse something from your dressing up box for World Book Day. Everyone’s favourite spidery superhero is a perfect choice. If you feel like getting creative you could always draw a spider web on your little one’s cheek with face paint.
You will need:
- Spiderman dressing up costume
- Face paint (optional)
Get the look:
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23. Oi Frog! World Book Day costume
If your child loves the silliness of Oi Frog! then you can embrace it with a funny costume. Add yoghurt or jelly pots covered with white paper onto a green hat for its head and then dress your little one in green to complete the look. Cut the Oi Frog! sign out of a cereal box and paint it black, with white writing.
You will need:
- Yoghurt/jelly pots
- White paper
- Glue
- Green hat
- Green top and trousers
- Cereal box
- Black and white paints and paintbrushes
- Fake log (optional)
Get the look:
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24. Mad Hatter World Book Day costume
If you’re looking for a costume you can throw lots of colourful things at, the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland ticks all the boxes. Find the brightest clothes you can and top it off with the biggest hat you can find. For an extra prop, add a teapot or cup and saucer from your child’s play teaset.
You will need:
- Bright colourful clothes
- A large hat
- Toy teapot/cup and saucer
Get the look:
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25. Emmeline Pankhurst Book Day costume
If you’re raising a little activist, Emmeline Pankhurst from The Little People Big Dreams books will make the perfect costume. It’s also a pretty easy one to pull together. You just need a dress and the all important sash (you can buy a plain white one and write on it.) Why not get your little one to make their own cardboard placard to wave too?
You will need:
- A dress
- White sash
- Black marker pen
- Cardboard
Get the look:
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26. Aquarium costume
If you have a fish-loving little one, the beautiful picture book Aquarium by Cynthia Alonso is a great World Book Day choice. Cut a hole in the top of a cardboard box and then get as creative as you like with some blue tissue paper and sea creatures cut from card. Seaweed made from green pipe cleaners will complete the look.
You will need:
- A cardboard box
- Blue tissue paper
- Card
- Paints and paintbrushes
- Green pipe cleaners
Get the look:
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27. Miss Trunchball World Book Day costume
Another great idea, taking a secondary character from a book, but who is well known enough and making THAT your World Book costume idea - it's inspired. While you can buy this hoodie, a grey one and a black Sharpie will work just as well. Or if you don't want to lose a hoodie to it, just Pritt stick or staple a piece of paper to the front with '1972 Olympics' on. It is just one day after all.
You will need:
- Grey hoodie
- Hair ties for the top knot
- jogging bottoms
- Weekend bag
- Stern look
- Black boots
Get the look:
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28. Pokemon World Book Day costume
A hugely popular game and book for many primary school kid (and secondary tbh). This costume makes light of a denim wardrobe, a great choice for a unisex World book costume idea, all you need to do is get creative with a Sharpie and a cap.
You will need:
- Blue jeans
- White trainers
- Blue jacket
- red and white cap
- Fingerless gloves (optional but really work)
Get the look:
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29. You Must Bring A Hat World Book Day costume
Published in 2016 this is a newish book among the heavyweight classics but is surely a no-brainer when it comes to the easiest costume ever. You simply need to bring a hat (and maybe carry a copy of the book).
You will need:
- An outrageous hat (or two if you're feeling creative)
Get the look:
(opens in new tab)VIEW BOOK - AMAZON | £5.94 (opens in new tab)
30. Peter Rabbit World Book Day costume
The classic Beatrix Potter tales just keep on giving. To really add an air of authenticity add whiskers to the face with eyeliner pencil and a bag of carrots.
You will need:
- Blue jacket
- Brown trousers
- Face paint or eyeliner pencil – to draw on bunny whiskers
- Bunny ears – cut from cardboard
Get the look:
(opens in new tab)VIEW BOOK - AMAZON | £7.19 (opens in new tab)
31. Harry Potter World Book Day costume
Ah, Harry. The wizard loved the world over. Always a favourite character to go as for World Book Day, if you don't have the glasses just improvise with black eye liner.
You will need:
- Black cape (recycle Halloween one)
- White shirt
- Normal school trousers/skirt
- Stick (The wand)
- Stripey tie or scarf
- Round glasses OR eyeliner pencil drawn on
- Forehead lightening scar in lip pencil
Get the look:
(opens in new tab)VIEW BOOK - AMAZON |£6.55 (opens in new tab)
32. Little Miss Princess World Book Day costume
The Little Mr Men and Little Miss books are the gifts that just keeps on giving. Just pile on all the sparkly princess paraphernalia you have and you're good to go.
You will need:
- Tiara (bought or made from card and decorated)
- Tutu (optional)
- Wand (optional)
Get the look:
(opens in new tab)VIEW BOOK - AMAZON | £3.99 (opens in new tab)
33. Charlotte's Web World Book Day costume
At 70 years old, this is a book that has truly spanned generations. A tear-jerker but a must-read, plus it's a super easy costume... just be ready to lose a few pairs of black tights. Mums are always giving.
You will need:
- Black outfit
- Two pairs of black tights
- Screwed up newspaper (to stuff tights with)
- Stapler (to attach tights to back of top)
Get the look:
(opens in new tab)VIEW BOOK - AMAZON |£5.09 (opens in new tab)
34. Horrible Histories: Ruthless Romans World Book Day costume
What kid wouldn't love to take in a sword and shield for World Book Day! This is a great one to involve your little one in creating, maybe the weekend before? Keep all your cardboard - you'll need it.
You will need:
- Sword (bought or made from cardboard)
- Shield (bought or made from cardboard and decorated)
- Helmet or crown (optional)
Get the look:
(opens in new tab)VIEW BOOK - AMAZON | £5.25 (opens in new tab)
35. Meg and Mog World Book Day costume
Loved throughout generations, this spooky duo are easy to do as you can simply recycle a classic Halloween costume and cut out a cardboard cat to paint - if you wanted to add that extra layer.
You will need:
- Black clothes
- Black witches hat (could paint paper black for homemade or recycle Halloween costume)
Get the look:
(opens in new tab)VIEW BOOK - AMAZON | £3.55 (opens in new tab)
36. The Tiger Who Came To Tea World Book Day costume
This classic tale is almost 60 years old, would you believe; been loved by many generations. All you need is face paints and a bit of artistic flair and you're off.
You will need:
- Orange clothes (bonus points if striped)
- Orange face paint
- Black face paint
Get the look:
(opens in new tab)VIEW BOOK - AMAZON | £4 (opens in new tab)
37. Look Up! World Book Day costume
Such an inspirational book! If you wanted to add more interest to the costume, you can write and cut out some of the main character, Rocket's, best 'did you know facts about space and staple to the astronaut outfit.
You will need:
- Orange clothes
- Bike helmet
- Tin foil (to cover bike helmet for an authentic astronaut feel)
Get the look:
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38. Port Side Pirates World Book Day costume
This is a great book and stamped as a 'teacher's favourite' on Amazon. A pirate is such an easy costume to pull together too! You can either get your little one involved in making their own pirates hat or simply add your own headscarf for a splash of colour. Ahoy!
You will need:
- Paper
- Pirate hat stencil
- String
- Black eyeliner pencil
- Loo/kitchen roll inner cardboard
- Any pirate paraphernalia (i.e. eye patch)
Get the look:
(opens in new tab)VIEW BOOK - AMAZON | £7.34 (opens in new tab)
39. 101 Dalmatians World Book Day costume
A Disney favourite, some might forget it was a book first. If they ask you can tell them that it was a children's novel, written by Dodie Smith in 1956 before becoming the cartoon we know and love today. And this will take you if your little pup will sit still, approximately 6 minutes 35 seconds to do.
You will need:
- White t-shirt
- Black marker pen
- Black eyeliner pencil
Get the look:
(opens in new tab)VIEW BOOK - AMAZON | £10.25 (opens in new tab)
40. Gangsta Granny World Book Day costume
Another beloved bestseller from celebrity David Williams, and just celebrated its 10th anniversary. This is a great one for raiding mum's wardrobe. The wig is a bonus, but not needed.
You will need:
- Bandit eye mask (or paint one on with black face paint)
- ‘Granny style’ blouse or cardigan
- Black skirt
- Old slippers
- Tights (for full effect, make sure they're too big, so they wrinkle around the ankles)
- Sack-style bag filled with screwed up paper
- A granny wig
Get the look:
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41. The Boy in the Dress World Book Day costume
World Book Day costume ideas can be hard to come across, start by scanning your kids bookshelves. This best-selling children's book has such a strong and important story. “It's about celebrating difference and hopefully that speaks to everyone,” said author David Walliams. And, it's super easy to do for WBD!
You will need:
- One dress
- A football
Get the look:
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Credit: Stephanie Lowe / Future
42. Funnybones World Book Day costume
Published in 1980 this book was big throughout the 90's and can still be found in school book shelves today. It's another great one for recycling a Halloween costume - super easy.
You will need:
- A recycled Halloween skeleton costume OR...
- Black clothes
- White paper cut into bones attached to black clothes
Get the look:
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(opens in new tab)When is World Book Day?
World Book Day 2023 takes place on Thursday 2 March. In the UK, the literary event always falls on the first Thursday in March. The day is dedicated to celebrating reading and all things books.
To mark the occasion, schoolchildren usually dress up as a character from their favourite children's book. It's often encouraged for them to bring along the accompanying book, so people know which literary icon they've dressed as.
Why are there 2 dates for World Book Day?
As the name suggests, World Book Day is something honoured globally - in over 100 countries. However, not everyone celebrates it on the same day. In other parts of the world, the event takes place on April 23.
This alternative date was chosen as it marks the same date a number of famous authors died: William Shakespeare and Spanish writers Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and El Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
For this reason, the rest of the world celebrates on 23rd April. Though there's an explanation as to why it's celebrated on a different day in England and Ireland.
Why is World Book Day different in the UK?
World Book Day falls on a different date in the UK because the worldwide April date conflicts with an important UK occasion: St George's Day. The patron Saint's day falls on April 23 each year which is the same as World Book Day for other countries.
There's also the matter of the Easter school holidays which can fall on different dates in April each year. The March date ensures that UK schoolchildren will be in school to celebrate World Book Day with teachers and classmates.
What are World Book Day tokens?
World Book Day £1/€1.50 World Book Day book tokens are given out ahead of the big day to children and young people via schools, nurseries, bookshops and other World Book Day providers.
Children can then visit their local bookstore to exchange their token for one of the World Book Day £1 book for free titles above. Or they can use it to get £1 off a full price title that is £2.99 or more.
In addition to local independent book retailers, children should be able to redeem their vouchers at Asda, Blackwell’s (selected stores only), Morrisons, Sainsburys, Tesco, The Works, Waterstones and WHSmith.
Vouchers are valid between Thursday 16 February until Sunday 26 March 2023. For further details, see World Book Day FAQs (opens in new tab).
When was the first World Book Day?
The first ever World Book Day took place in April 1995 - though it wasn't until 2 years later in 1997 that the UK and Ireland got in on the fun too.
World Book and Copyright day - as it's otherwise known - was created by UNESCO in 1995 during their General Conference in Paris. The aim was "to recognize the scope of books - a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures," reads the UNESCO website (opens in new tab).
"On this occasion, UNESCO and the international organizations representing the three major sectors of the book industry - publishers, booksellers and libraries, select the World Book Capital for a year to maintain, through its own initiatives, the impetus of the Day’s celebrations."
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