Book Week is one of the most-anticipated events on the Australian school calendar. Each year, children across the country dress as their favourite book characters, sparking conversations about stories, authors and imagination. Whether you're shopping for a ready-made book week costume or putting together a look from scratch, this guide covers everything you need to get your child (or yourself) ready for Book Week 2026.
Australia's Book Week runs from 25–29 August 2026, with the theme announced by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA). Parade day is typically Friday, though schools often hold their own events across the week.
What counts as a Book Week costume?
Any character from a published book qualifies — picture books, chapter books, graphic novels and classic literature all count. The key rule most schools follow is that the character must come from a book (not a film or TV show). Popular picks include characters from Roald Dahl, Dr. Seuss, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Harry Potter, Bluey tie-in books and Australian favourites like Possum Magic and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Not sure whether a character is book-based? Check whether the book came first. Many beloved characters — Matilda, Charlie Bucket, Willy Wonka — absolutely qualify because they originated in print.
Book Week costume ideas for girls
Girls have a huge range of book characters to choose from. Some of the most recognisable book week costume ideas for girls include:
- Alice in Wonderland — a blue pinafore dress with a white apron and a headband; one of the most iconic and easy-to-spot book week costumes.
- Matilda — a simple navy dress with pigtails and a stack of books as a prop.
- Hermione Granger — Hogwarts robes, a wand and a bushy hairstyle. Harry Potter books remain perennial school parade favourites.
- Pippi Longstocking — mismatched stockings, a patchy dress and sticking-up plaits are instantly recognisable.
- Elsa from Frozen (the book) — many Disney characters have official tie-in books, so check with your school first.
Browse our full range of girls’ book week costumes for ready-made options that arrive quickly.
Book Week costume ideas for boys
Boys have no shortage of great book characters to choose from. The most popular book week costume ideas for boys include:
- Harry Potter — Hogwarts robes, a lightning-bolt scar drawn on with eyeliner and a wand. Hard to go wrong.
- Charlie Bucket or Willy Wonka — from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; a top hat and purple coat make Willy Wonka immediately recognisable.
- Where the Wild Things Are — a white furry onesie with a crown; a classic and comfortable option for younger kids.
- The Gruffalo — a brown all-in-one with horns and a long nose; great for foundation-year students.
- Greg Heffley from Diary of a Wimpy Kid — just a plain white T-shirt with “Greg” written across it plus a notebook prop — low effort, high recognition.
Find more options in our boys’ book week costumes category.
Book Week costumes for teachers
Teachers joining in on the parade make the day extra special. Popular book week costumes for teachers include Miss Honey from Matilda, the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Miss Trunchbull (for comic effect), or any classic literary heroine. Keeping it comfortable for a full school day is key — look for costumes you can move and teach in.
We have a dedicated range of teacher book week costumes designed for adults who want something recognisable without too much fuss.
How to choose the right book week costume
The best book week costumes balance three things: character recognition, comfort and practicality. A few tips:
- Involve your child in the decision. Ask them which book characters they love, not which ones look impressive to adults. The excitement of “I chose this” makes parade day much more fun.
- Check the school dress code. Some schools ask that costumes be book-specific or follow the annual CBCA theme. Others are open to any book character.
- Think about the full day. Kids sit, run and eat lunch in their costumes. Avoid anything too delicate, too hot or too restrictive.
- Order early. Book Week is one of the busiest times of year for costume shops. Ordering at least two to three weeks ahead avoids stress.
Making your own book week costume
DIY book week costumes can be simple and memorable. A cardboard sign around your child’s neck that reads “I am the Very Hungry Caterpillar” with a striped top and antennae headband is immediately recognisable — and takes minutes. Similarly, a plain white T-shirt, black pants and a hand-drawn spider make Charlotte’s Web instantly readable. The best homemade costumes lean on a strong prop or statement accessory rather than a head-to-toe creation.
Frequently asked questions about Book Week costumes
When is Book Week 2026?
Australia’s Book Week 2026 runs from 25–29 August. School parade days vary — most are on the Friday (28 August), but check with your school.
Does the costume have to match the CBCA theme?
Not usually. Most schools welcome any book character, not just books that fit the annual theme. The theme is a guide for book selections rather than a strict costume rule, though some schools do encourage theme-based choices.
Can my child dress as a character from a movie?
Only if that character originated in a book. Harry Potter and Matilda are fine; characters who started on screen are generally not accepted. When in doubt, confirm with your child’s teacher.
What if we leave it too late?
Order as soon as possible. Many popular book week costumes sell out in the weeks before the event. Browse our full range of book week costumes 2026 — we stock kids’ sizes across a wide range of characters.
Whether your child wants to be a classic storybook character or something from a modern favourite, the most important thing is that they connect with the book behind the costume. Book Week is about reading, imagination and the characters that stick with us long after the last page. Have fun with it.
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