41 of the Best Book Week Costume Ideas for Teachers to Inspire You in 2024

It’s that time of year again when Aussie teachers are madly sewing, gluing and building their Book Week costumes – it’s basically Halloween in August, and we’re all for it. Book Week, held by The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), is a perfect opportunity to collectively celebrate a love of literacy and bring characters from your students’ favourite books to life.

This year, the event falls between August 17 and 23, so it’s a good idea to start planning what you’ll wear to the Book Week costume parade that matches the theme ‘Reading is Magic.’ We know how much you’ve got on your plate right now, so we’ve done the hard yards for you. Whether you’re looking for magic-inspired costumes, group ideas for your teaching squad or a Book Week costume based on a recent movie (hint: Barbie!), we’ve rounded up 41 of our favourite ideas from fellow teachers around Australia.

You’ll be racing to get started, trust us!

Explore our Book Week collection full of worksheets, activities and crafts! 

A Note on Book Week Costumes for Adults

When choosing a costume, there are a few things for teachers to keep in mind. As you’ll most likely wear your costume all day, it’s best to opt for something comfortable and easy to move around in. While a slinky, full-body Hungry Caterpillar costume would be super fun, you don’t want to end up restricting your movements or have the costume break before lunchtime.

You’re probably organising a bunch of interactive lesson plans throughout Book Week, including arts and crafts, which equals glitter, paint and glue — most of which will end up on your costume! So, look for fabrics and materials that are easy to chuck in the wash or spot-clean after any messes.

Book Week Costume Ideas

Magic Themed Costumes

With this year’s theme, ‘Reading is Magic,’ there’s never been a better opportunity to portray characters from your favourite fantasy books, such as Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, and so many more. Keep reading to find a bunch of ideas to work a bit of magic into your Book Week costume!

The Book Fairy

Fairies? Magic? A match made in heaven for Book Week 2024!

NSW Librarian Emily (@emilytlwilliams) went all out last year to bring The Book Fairy to life, and to say we’re blown away would be an understatement. Using pages from old books, Emily created a stunning and on-theme costume while using recycled materials. If you’re up for the challenge, be sure to check out her Instagram for more inspiration.

We know not everyone has the time and patience to create a costume like this, and that’s totally fine! The Book Fairy still has some special themes that you can weave into your teachings, such as treasuring stories passed down by teachers, parents and grandparents and seeing the magic in reading.

Harry Potter

The Harry Potter book series transported many readers into a quirky world of witchcraft and wizardry, with plenty of fun characters to portray for Book Week – perfect for this year’s theme of ‘Reading is Magic!’

This magical costume by Western Australian Year 4 teacher, Miss T (@123withmisst), gives us serious Hogwarts inspiration! We’re sure her class would have been amazed by the transformation too, down to every detail. As she said, “Today I got to live out my Book Week dream of being Luna Lovegood…well if she decided to go through an emo phase and dye her hair brown-black!”

In addition to awesome costume inspiration, Harry Potter can be used by teachers to put a creative twist on science, literacy, and HASS lesson plans. For example, the books can be used as creative writing prompts to get students to write their own stories set in the wizarding world or imagine new adventures for existing characters.

Tasmanian Year 5 teacher Miss O (@tassietravellingteacher) also took inspiration from the magic of the wizarding world with her costume, which was recreated from the whimsical uniform of Fleur Delacour in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

The Magic School Bus – Ms. Frizzle

Seatbelts, everyone; there’s Magic School Bus inspiration incoming. Although some may know it best as a show on Netflix, The Magic School Bus originated as a book by Joanna Cole created to get 6- to 9-year-olds excited about science.

Year 3 teacher, Amy (@heyteacherteacher), transformed into one of her teacher idols, Ms. Frizzle, for Book Week, and we’re big fans. If you want to sprinkle some magic in your classroom, the quirky teacher is an easy costume choice. Just reuse one of your vibrant teacher dresses, throw on some funky earrings, and you are ready to go!

 

 

Here’s another costume based on The Magic School Bus! Brisbane dad Jesse (@jesseolds) got into DIY mode to make this amazing matching costume – how sweet!

Mary Poppins

Want to create a magical costume on a budget? This one is perfect!

Regional NSW teacher Bec of @lucaslearning transformed into Mary Poppins last year in an entirely thrifted outfit – proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to turn heads during Book Week. Her costume cost $30 all up, using items from home and her local op shops – a bargain!

Written by Australian-British author P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins was originally a series of eight books released from 1934 to 1988. These stories are timeless classics with a valuable reminders that we can teach our kids – that empathy, kindness and a positive attitude are what matter in the end.

 

The Lord of the Rings – Gandalf

We can’t get over how good this Gandalf costume by teacher librarian Melissa of @whatthetlwore is. The best part is that you could DIY most elements of the costume – except for the beard, which you will most likely have to purchase!

Perhaps best known today as an epic film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings was published in 1968 by J.R.R. Tolkien and was a sequel to The Hobbit, a children’s book written by Tolkien in 1937. Although the books are best suited for upper-primary students, the underlying messages can teach kids that anyone can make a difference and to never lose wonder. In the wise words of Galadriel, “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

The Little Mermaid

Let’s dive into the magical underwater realm of The Little Mermaid! This beloved story was first published in 1837 as a series of fairy tales written by Hans Christian Andersen and has since become an iconic character for many generations. Ariel is portrayed as an ambitious mermaid who does not give up, and the story has the underlying message that love conquers all – lessons that we can pass on to our students.

As well as being an inspiring tale, it’s bound to spark some costume inspiration! Check out this awesome Ursula costume by Australian primary school teacher @primary_practitioner – while this one might be a bit hard to DIY, we recommend looking online or picking one up from your local party shop.

Costumes Adapted From Film, TV and Games

Have you seen a great film recently with an even better message for kids? Chances are there might even be a book based on it, or the movie was adapted from a book that you could read in the classroom. From Barbie to Toy Story, read on to find some of our favourite Book Week costumes adapted from movies, TV shows and games.

Barbie

Come on, Barbie, let’s go party! NSW primary school teacher Miss Baker of @missbakersbunch transformed into ‘Day to Night Barbie’ for Book Week last year, and we absolutely love her costume.

As well as being a fun movie popping with colour, Barbie communicates empowering messages we can incorporate into social emotional learning, such as self-esteem and self-acceptance. You can also find a bunch of Barbie storybooks from Kmart or Dymocks to add to your reading corner.

 

Wednesday Addams

Want to bring a little spooky and kooky to Book Week? Wednesday Addams is your girl!

Check out this great costume by lower primary teacher @miss_outridge from last year. This Wednesday Addams look is super easy to recreate – just grab a white button-up and a black dress from your closet, don some braids, and you’re ready to go.

So, what can Wednesday Addams teach students? The character is known to defy societal norms and is always herself, with a key takeaway that it’s okay to be different.

Inside Out

Since its release in 2015, Inside Out has become a hit for kids (and educators!). It’s fun to watch but also has meaningful and relatable themes, such as dealing with emotions and practising mindfulness. Plus, with the release of Inside Out 2, chances are a lot of your students will have watched it and would love to see their favourite characters brought to life!

Check out how Brisbane-based Prep and Year 1 teacher Izzy of @thestructuredspectrum and her pals perfectly embodied some of the characters/emotions portrayed in the movie for Book Week last year.

Toy Story

We think you’ll enjoy dressing up as Toy Story characters just as much as your students! Toy Story has been loved by kids and parents since 1995, and you can see why – it communicates valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty and teamwork.

Brisbane-based Year 1 educator @missemily.v and her fellow teacher absolutely aced Woody and Jessie for Book Week 2023. You can find an abundance of Toy Story costumes online, or if you’re feeling crafty, you can DIY one with a trip to Spotlight.

Minnie Mouse

Another beloved childhood character! While you can certainly order a costume online or hire one from your local party shop, this DIY look by lower primary teacher Sarah of @heyy_mrscarter is perfect – just source a polka-dot dress and some Minnie Mouse ears, and you’re set.

Did you know? Minnie Mouse has been a cartoon character since 1928! She has become a symbol of love and friendship and is a widely recognised icon for kids and parents.

Mario Kart

Mario Kart characters are always popular for Book Week, so there’s plenty of inspiration out there to help get the creative juices flowing! Take a look at this amazing costume by Northern Territory primary teacher @learningwithmrmac. This is a fairly simple costume to recreate – you can make the go-kart by cutting up an old cardboard box and a lick of paint.

What lessons can we learn from Mario Kart? The game encourages kids to learn and grow through trial and error – if they fail, they pick themselves up and try again. These are the types of morals that can be incorporated in activities on growth mindset.

Minions

Although Minions first appeared on the big screen in Despicable Me, the hugely popular characters have also been portrayed in book form, such as in Minions (A Little Golden Book) by Rachel Chlebowski. These little yellow characters are not just cute; they can also teach kids important life lessons such as staying optimistic, expressing kindness and being a team player.

If you plan to go as a Minion for Book Week this year, check out these fantastic costumes by Grade 5/6 teacher, Rachel (@theselilducklings), and her colleague!

Group Costumes

Discussing Book Week costume ideas in the teacher group chat? We’ve got some ideas to send to your teacher squad! Read on to find a bunch of ideas, from 101 Dalmations to Chicken Divas.

Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men

Although initially a TV series from the 1950s, you can find a bunch of Bill and Ben books full of adventure and comedy for kids.

If you’re thinking of portraying Bill and Ben or creating a garden-themed costume, there’s plenty of inspiration blossoming from the costumes of Aussie primary school teacher @elisa_lily and her teaching pals.

Whitney and Britney: Chicken Divas

We’ve never seen such a glamorous pair of chickens! If you and your teaching bestie are looking for a fun costume, this look by primary teacher @ella_stewart_might be the one for you.

You might remember Chicken Divas as the book chosen for National Simultaneous Storytime back in 2020. In addition to providing fabulous dress-up opportunities that are sure to amaze your students, the book’s main characters, Whitney and Britney, teach about valuing friendship, movement, and dance.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a classic! The book is a fabulous match for the ‘Reading is Magic’ theme, and you can also get creative with costume ideas. The book metaphorically focuses on transformation and personal growth through a little caterpillar blossoming into a butterfly. Teachers can use this book in lesson planning to discuss various topics, such as the life cycle of a butterfly, learning how to count and even nutrition.

Plus, it makes for a perfect group or solo costume idea! Round up a group of your teaching pals and transform into a life-sized Hungry Caterpillar to wow your students. This amazing idea by primary teacher @gillkerryn could be replicated with coloured cards and some poster paint.

We just had to include this costume by Year 4 teacher from the Gold Coast, Miss Wood (@teachwithmisswood), floating around the classroom as a beautiful butterfly. That Very Hungry Caterpillar teddy is the cherry on top – we love it!

101 Dalmations

You might remember 101 Dalmatians as a series of live-action and animated films, but the story is based on a 1956 novel ‘The Hundred and One Dalmatians’ by Dodie Smith. While Cruella De Vil brings a dark tone to the narrative, portrayals of love and family are strong throughout the book, allowing students to discuss different character traits.

We love how Prep teacher Mrs S (@teachingcreative) and her colleagues have brought this story to life for Book Week!

Book Week Theme-Inspired Costume

Although based on last year’s theme of ‘Read, Grow, Inspire,’ we just had to include these brilliantly creative costumes by the squad of NSW teachers at @i_teach_team.

You don’t have to choose an existing book to focus on; you can get a group of your teacher buddies together to create a costume stemming from this year’s theme of ‘Reading is Magic’ and create your own story! How about an enchanted library with oversized magic books made of cardboard, similar to the example below?

Queen Bees (and Wannabes)

Are you looking to base your costume on a slightly more mature book? That’s totally fine.

Year 6 teacher, Angie @teachingwithpeguins, and her teaching pals took inspiration from Queen Bees (and Wannabes), a 2002 book by Rosalind Wiseman targeted at parents and secondary school teachers. The book addresses the dynamics of girls’ social groups and the challenges they face during adolescence. However, there are concepts and insights that primary school teachers can take from the book, including understanding social dynamics, bullying prevention and communication strategies.

Little People, BIG DREAMS

Penelope (@misspenelopeteachesme), a Year 3 teacher from Melbourne, and her teacher pals stepped into the shoes of fellow inspiring women from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara. These book-inspired costumes absolutely rock.

The biography books for children explore the lives of iconic figures who achieved incredible things yet were once kids with a dream. Plus, you can repurpose bits and pieces from your own wardrobe – it’s a win-win.

Use our Dream Big! template for your class to learn how to set goals and aspirations.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Ok, these Alice in Wonderland costumes for adults from year 1 teacher Miss Emily V. (@missemily.v) are some seriously cool costumes! If this hasn’t inspired you to get your teacher tribe together and go as themed characters this Book Week, then we don’t know what will. You don’t have to stop at costumes; you could turn your classroom into a whimsical wonderland, too!

Although a modern film adaptation, this fantasy story was written way back in 1865 by Lewis Carroll and was called ‘Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland’. This story has been enjoyed by both children and adults, and explores a number of themes that can be discussed in the classroom, such as growing up, curiosity and self identity.

Here’s another amazing bunch, including New South Wales teacher Heerthayini (@teacherlifewithheertha), getting into the spirit of Book Week with Alice!

Rowan of Rin

Book Week is also an excellent opportunity to use an in-class text as it’s not compulsory to use a book from the shortlist. Charlotte from @teachingwith_missm and her Year 4 team dressed up as characters from a book they read in class called Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda. Teaching Year 4 this year? This fantasy novel by an Australian author makes a fantastic novel study, particularly as your students will be a bit older.

Explore our jam-packed collection of Book Review Templates for Teachers!

The Wizard of Oz

Although written in 1900, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum is a classic story with themes teachers can draw on today, such as finding courage and building confidence.

Whether you’d rather buy a pre-made outfit from a party store or make a DIY Book Week costume, the book has plenty of fun characters to inspire you, just like St. Mary’s Primary School teachers. An ensemble made of aluminium foil would be the perfect Tin Man, or throw on an old plaid shirt and a straw hat to become Scarecrow.

 

Where Is the Green Sheep?

Written by Mem Fox, Where Is the Green Sheep has been a popular pick Book Week adult costume over the years. Perth Grade 6 teacher, Hannah (@missgirlingsclassroom), herded up her teacher pals (pun intended!) and made the fantastic DIY costumes you see below.

The book they drew from is a beautifully illustrated book and a great read for younger students to help with language development and broaden their vocabulary. Want to add it to your lesson plan? Why not create a class rhyming wall where students identify and add new rhyming words they discover in the book or brainstorm together?

The Day the Crayons Quit

Here’s another popular costume choice for a group of teachers! Everyone in your teaching circle can go as a different crayon colour, just like Brisbane teachers Miss E and Miss P (@misseandmissp).

This costume is worth it if you are okay with getting a bit crafty. To help save time, you could stick to coloured cardboard posters together instead of painting each colour. Then, grab some sparkly hats at your local discount variety store to top it off!

The primary moral of The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt is about teaching kids empathy and what it’s like to walk in the shoes of others, making the book an excellent tool for your social and emotional learning lesson plans.

Use The Day the Crayons Quit in your persuasive writing lessons!

Classic Book Costumes

Do you have a book that you grew up reading and still love to this day? Why not share with your students this Book Week! From The Rainbow Fish to Winnie-The-Pooh, we’ve rounded up a heap of classic Book Week costumes to get feeling inspired.

Mr. Men and Little Miss Series

Who remembers these classic books? As well as being easy reads for younger students, these books have some lessons we can pass on to students, such as the value of friendship, kindness and being each other.

Gold Coast teacher Bridget of @missinclusivity went as Little Miss Loud for Book Week last year, and we absolutely love her creativity. You can easily recreate this costume with some cardboard, paint and an all-black outfit!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

When your Book Week costume becomes a teaching tool…yes!

Year 1 primary teacher Aimee of @missv_teachingjourney dressed up as the coconut tree from the book Chika Chika Boom Boom last year – such a simple but effective idea! All you’ll need is an old brown dress, some fabric or paper alphabet letters and some leaves to top it off.

This book is also perfect for weaving into lessons on rhyming words to help younger students grasp learning the alphabet.

The Rainbow Fish

Many kids and teachers have grown up reading The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister, making it a perfect choice if you’re looking for a classic book. While the book is visually beautiful to read, it also communicates important messages about teaching kids to share with others to help build happy friendships.

This nostalgic book can be brought to life with sparkly materials and scale patterns, just like this stunning handmade costume by Aussie teacher Tamara (@tamara_263). This is definitely a costume to keep for another occasion!

The Gruffalo

Australian teacher @teacherishappy ventured into the deep dark woods and emerged as one of the main characters from The Gruffalo with this easy Book Week costume idea. Written by Julia Donaldson, The Gruffalo can help teach students essential lessons such as problem-solving, thinking outside the box and building friendships.

The Gruffalo is also an excellent book for lesson planning as students can infer the main characters’ feelings when reading along, and it’s one of our teacher team’s favourite titles for teaching about metaphors and similes or personification!

 

Wally from Where’s Wally?

Jump into a world of mystery and become Where’s Wally this Book Week! These much-loved puzzle books by Martin Handford provide hours of entertainment and help kids develop concentration, focus and problem-solving.

If you’re looking for a fuss-free costume, this is the perfect one for you. This outfit by Gold Coast Year 3 teacher Mrs Strasek (@mrs.strasek) will take you only a short time to make, and you might already have some props in the classroom to use.

Winnie-the-Pooh

Every year, we get blown away by your Book Week costumes, and we certainly ‘wowed!’ by this Winnie-the-Pooh costume. Teacher Sam (@cre8tive.classroom) got crafty with her sewing machine to stitch this fantastic bear suit. Top points for repurposing a flower pot as a ‘hunny’ pot, too!

This loveable book by A. A. Milne explores some wonderful themes to help drive discussions in the classroom about friendship, creativity and imagination, and emotions and empathy. For example, after reading Winnie-the-Pooh, get students to explore the range of emotions experienced by the characters in the book, such as happiness, sadness, fear, and frustration, and discuss how they express and deal with their feelings in a group.

We just had to include this adorable Winnie-the-Pooh costume by Aussie teacher @missemmaovertheair – perfect for any expecting teachers out there!

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Mozzie

Amy from @heyteacherteacher gave us a giggle and a great costume idea with the Old Lady who Swallowed a Mozzie!

Written by P. Crumble, this book is a humorous nursery rhyme with an Aussie twist, making it a fun and easy choice for a Book Week costume. It’s also a brilliant tool for teaching primary school students rhyming, language development, sequencing, and memory skills, as the book’s character continues to eat larger animals.

Zog the Dragon

Zoom into Book Week like Brisbane dad Jesse (@jesseolds)!

Jesse was inspired by the main character of the picture book, Zog, written by Julia Donaldson. This funny rhyming tale touches on a range of themes that can guide discussions in the classroom, such as perseverance, growing up and following your dreams.

No One Likes A Fart

Are you looking for a fairly easy but attention-grabbing Book Week costume? Here’s one for you!

Adriana from @misstrikolas sent us one of her favourite Book Week costumes and we can imagine the choir of giggles amongst her class! To recreate this funny costume, all you’ll need is some thick paper, scissors and string.

To take it a step further, No One Likes A Fart is great book to read with your class, followed by discussions around self-worth, respect and acceptance.

 

Can’t Choose a Favourite Book?

What happens if you can’t choose just one favourite book for your costume? You go as them all!

We adore this costume that teacher Lauren from @lessons.with.lauren created for a past Book Week theme, ‘Reading is My Secret Power.’ But you can use this costume idea for any theme. Lauren used the front cover of her prep class’s favourite books and created a dress. How nifty.

Do Not Open This Book

Do Not Open This Book by Andy Lee will intrigue little readers! Canberra-based kindy teacher @the_good_in_teaching went to Book Week as this little blue character, and so can you! Grab a blue swimming cap, a blue long-sleeve top and stockings. Find some old shorts, a brown belt and black lace-up shoes, and you’re ready to go. Just remember the ‘Go Read Something Else’ sign!

As well as being a fun Book Week costume idea, this book is an excellent tool for students to make predictions and inferences by guessing what the story might be about, judging from the title and making interferences based on visual cues and prior knowledge.

There you have it! 41 amazing Book Week costume ideas from teachers just like you. Whatever you end up dressing up as we know it will be awesome, so don’t forget to share a photo with us @teachstarter on Instagram or Facebook. We can’t wait to see!