Book Week 2026 runs from 22 to 28 August, and this year's CBCA theme is "Symphony of Stories". If your school has already sent the parade note home — or you just know it's coming — this guide rounds up the best Book Week costume ideas for 2026, organised the way parents actually shop: by who's wearing it and how much time you have.
Every costume idea below links to a stocked range, so nothing on this list is a craft project you have to start from scratch. Pick a character, check the size, and you're parade-ready.
When Is Book Week 2026?
The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Week runs Saturday 22 August to Friday 28 August 2026. Most schools hold their dress-up parade during that week, with many scheduling it for the Friday — but check your school's newsletter, because plenty of schools run their parade earlier in the week or even the week before.
The 2026 theme, Symphony of Stories, celebrates the way stories work together — which makes it a great year for group costumes,
Book Week in Australia is one of the most exciting times of the school year. It’s that special occasion when creativity bursts through the school gates, and kids proudly step into the shoes of their favourite literary characters.
If your child is obsessed with Minecraft (and let’s be honest, most kids are these days), then you're probably no stranger to the mysterious and slightly spooky Enderman. Tall, shadowy, and known for teleporting around the game stealing blocks, Enderman has become one of the most iconic figures in the Minecraft universe.
Book Week is one of the highlights of the Australian school calendar, and every year kids (and more than a few teachers) get to bring their favourite book characters to life. Whether you're after book week costume ideas for a school parade, a classroom activity, or a family dress-up day, the trick is finding something fun to wear, easy to put together, and true to the character.
We have searched the globe for some of the most well made Aladdin costumes for you to wear to your next Disney, Middle Eastern, Fairy Tale or Halloween Party.
Dressing up as Aladdin or Jasmine is a popular choice for adults and kids because this fairy tale is many hundreds of years old, of Middle Eastern origin.
Teletubbies costumes are not just for pre-school kids and do you want to know why? These gorgeous babbling round creatures take us back to our childhoods.
If your girl wants a mermaid tail costume for a party, or just because she wants a mermaid dress up for her own fun and imaginative play, you do need to be cautious.
Inflatable costumes in Australia have become really popular and you will find people wearing blow-up suits at all sorts of dress-up events, such as Halloween or comic fan conventions.
