G'day book lovers! August in Australia is not just a month of cooler weather and the tail end of winter, it's also the time when book enthusiasts, especially school kids, gear up for one of the most exciting weeks of the year - Book week! Dressing up as our favourite characters from books allows us to escape into a world of imagination and showcase our creativity. But, let's face it, sometimes the hardest part is deciding which character to become. So, whether you're a parent, teacher or a student looking for inspiration, here's a list of Aussie-flavoured dress-up ideas for this Book week:
Thing 1 and Thing 2: About these dress up costumes, we can tell you one thing, you are going to laugh and laugh, and so is your child, and so is everyone around you.
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie: These iconic Australian gumnut babies from May Gibbs' classic series are a perfect pick. Dress up in earthy tones, pop on a little green cap and paint your cheeks rosy to transform into these beloved characters.
Blinky Bill: The mischievous little koala created by Dorothy Wall can be a fun choice. Craft some grey ears, a red bandana and perhaps a eucalyptus branch to carry along, and you're all set!
Magic Pudding: Don your best pud look with a bowl-shaped hat, and paint your face brown. A cheeky expression is a must when portraying this Norman Lindsay character who always regrows no matter how much you eat him!
Dot from 'Dot and the Kangaroo': Dress up in a simple vintage Australian outfit and carry a toy kangaroo. Or, reverse roles, and be the kangaroo searching for Dot!
Eliza from 'My Place' by Nadia Wheatley: Dive into Australia's history by dressing as Eliza, or any character from the numerous stories told in this book. Researching their attire will be a learning journey in itself.
The Gruffalo's Child: Taking inspiration from Julia Donaldson's sequel to 'The Gruffalo', get your winter wear on and add a few monster-like features for that perfect Gruffalo’s Child look.
Old Tom by Leigh Hobbs: Go a little zany by becoming Angela's chaotic cat. A big, mismatched outfit and wild hair (or fur) will do the trick.
Tashi: Based on the series by Anna and Barbara Fienberg, a simple robe, a conical hat, and a few tales of adventures with dragons and giants will bring Tashi to life.
Molly from 'Ride, Riccardo, Ride!': Dress in period attire and carry a toy bicycle. This poignant story of WWII by Shane Devries offers a mix of historical context and creativity.
Diary of a Wombat: Become the mischievous wombat from Jackie French's beloved book. A brown outfit, rounded ears, and a diary for your wombat adventures will set you apart.
Remember, the essence of Book week is not just in the outfit, but in the story it brings to life. You can add a twist to your character by mixing stories or inventing a backstory that aligns with the theme of the week. It's all about creativity, imagination, and celebrating the world of books. So, start brainstorming, cobble together those props, and most importantly, have a ripper of a time this Book week for the perfect book week costumes!
