The Cat in the Hat
One of the most recognisable book characters ever. The tall red and white striped hat does all the heavy lifting — pair …
View costume →This event has passed
World Book Day
5 March 2026
The big one. World Book Day is the Super Bowl of school dress-up days. Every child in the country needs a costume, every parent panics at 10pm the night before. We've got you covered with easy ideas that won't require a degree in costume design.
The Lookbook
Costume Ideas
25 curated outfits — everything on Amazon
Matilda
Matilda is the dream costume for book-loving kids. A blue dress, a red hair ribbon, and a stack of books under the arm —…
View costume →Harry Potter
The Boy Who Lived is always a crowd pleaser. Round glasses, a Gryffindor scarf, and a drawn-on lightning bolt scar. Half…
View costume →Where's Wally
Red and white stripes, round glasses, a bobble hat — Where's Wally is the ultimate easy costume. Your child will spend t…
View costume →Paddington Bear
Everyone's favourite Peruvian bear. A blue duffle coat, red wellies (or red hat), and a marmalade sandwich for emergenci…
View costume →Alice in Wonderland
A blue dress with a white pinafore — the classic Alice. Add a headband and your child is ready to tumble down the rabbit…
View costume →Winnie the Pooh
Oh bother, this one's easy. A red t-shirt over a yellow top, bear ears, and a pot of 'hunny' (a jar with a label will do…
View costume →Gangsta Granny
David Walliams' legendary character. Grey wig, pearl necklace, a balaclava mask, and a bag marked 'SWAG'. It's the perfe…
View costume →Little Red Riding Hood
The classic fairy tale heroine. A red hooded cape over a simple dress, a small basket, and you're off to Grandma's house…
View costume →Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Greg Heffley)
Greg Heffley's stick-figure style is brilliantly easy to recreate. A white t-shirt with a zigzag line drawn on, black sh…
View costume →The Tiger Who Came to Tea
The tiger who ate everything in Sophie's house — including all the water in the tap! Orange or yellow clothing with blac…
View costume →The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle's beloved character makes a brilliant costume. Green t-shirt and trousers with red socks and a red headband w…
View costume →Stick Man
The cheapest and most creative costume on the list. All brown clothing with stick-like arms made from cardboard tubes. J…
View costume →Burglar Bill
One of the easiest costumes going. A stripy top, a mask cut from black card, and a pillowcase with SWAG written on it. B…
View costume →Pippi Longstocking
The strongest girl in the world and one of the most recognisable book characters ever. Mismatched socks, wire-stiffened …
View costume →Dog Man
Half dog, half police officer, all hero. Dog Man is one of the biggest children's book franchises in the UK right now. A…
View costume →Peter Rabbit
A true British classic. Peter Rabbit's blue jacket is one of the most recognisable costume elements in children's litera…
View costume →Horrid Henry
The badly-behaved boy everyone secretly loves. Henry's costume is basically normal clothes with one key addition — the b…
View costume →Charlie Bucket
The hero of Roald Dahl's greatest story. Charlie is meant to look a bit scruffy and patched-up, so imperfect is perfect.…
View costume →Isadora Moon
Half vampire, half fairy, totally fabulous. Isadora Moon is one of the most popular characters with girls in Years 1–4. …
View costume →Mildred Hubble (The Worst Witch)
The clumsiest witch at Miss Cackle's Academy. Mildred Hubble is a classic British children's book character, revived by …
View costume →Supertato
The superhero potato who saves the supermarket from the Evil Pea. Hugely popular with Reception and KS1 children. Brown …
View costume →Tom Gates
The doodle-obsessed schoolboy from Liz Pichon's award-winning series. A white t-shirt covered in hand-drawn doodles and …
View costume →Captain Underpants
The greatest superhero in the history of school. White underpants worn over trousers, a red cape, and optionally a bald …
View costume →Mr Bump
The ultimate last-minute costume. Blue clothes, bandages wrapped around the head and arms, and plasters stuck everywhere…
View costume →Never Miss a Fancy Dress Day
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