Costume Ideas for World Book Day

Posted on 18 February 2025

World Book Day is the perfect opportunity to bring your favourite characters to life! From timeless classics to modern favourites, we’ve got a selection of amazing books to inspire your next costume. So grab your imagination (and maybe a glue gun), and get ready to celebrate the magic of storytelling in style!

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond and Peggy Fortnum

Character: Paddington Bear

What You Need: A red hat, blue duffle coat, and a small suitcase. Don’t forget a tag that says “Please look after this bear.”

Extra Touch: Carry a jar of marmalade!

Scholastic Classics: Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

Character: Anne Shirley

What You Need: A straw hat with braids tied in ribbons, a pinafore dress, and a notebook.

Extra Touch: Add freckles with a brown eyeliner pencil.

Wonka by Roald Dahl, Simon Farnaby, Paul King, and Sibéal Pounder

Character: Willy Wonka

What You Need: A purple jacket, top hat, and a bow tie.

Extra Touch: Make a golden ticket from cardboard and foil.

Mirabelle and the Magical Mayhem by Harriet Muncaster

Character: Mirabelle

What You Need: A sparkly dress, striped tights, and a magic wand.

Extra Touch: Add some glitter to your face for extra magic.

Dog Man #1: Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

Character: Dog Man

What You Need: Blue clothes, a dog ear headband, and a gold police badge.

Extra Touch: Draw a dog nose and whiskers with face paint.

The School for Wicked Witches by Will Taylor

Character: A Witch

What You Need: A black dress, a pointy hat, and a broomstick.

Extra Touch: Carry a spell book or make one from an old notebook.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Character: Matilda

What You Need: A blue dress, red ribbon headband, and a stack of books.

Extra Touch: Carry a pretend “magic” object, like a floating spoon.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Character: Harry Potter

What You Need: A black robe, round glasses, and a lightning bolt scar on your forehead.

Extra Touch: Carry a wand and wear a Gryffindor scarf.

Percy Jackson #1: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Character: Percy Jackson

What You Need: An orange “Camp Half-Blood” t-shirt, jeans, and a pen (to represent Riptide, Percy’s sword).

Extra Touch: Add a blue snack, like a cupcake, to represent Percy’s love of blue food.

The Hunger Games: Illustrated Edition by Suzanne Collins (Author) and Nico Delort (illustrator)

Character: Katniss Everdeen

What You Need: A black jacket, cargo pants, and your hair braided to the side.

Extra Touch: Add a Mockingjay pin.

No matter which character you choose, have fun bringing your favourite stories to life this World Book Day! You can find these amazing books and more on the Scholastic shop.