40 Best Book Character Costumes Any Avid Reader Will Love
Get the tutorial at People Webs.
38 Best Book Character Costumes That Are Easy to DIY
Creative ideas for teachers and kids, for Halloween and beyond.
Every book lover knows that stories have the power to transport us to exciting new worlds — and what better way to immerse yourself in the magic of literature than by dressing up as your favorite book character? Whether you’re a kindergarten teacher looking to cosplay in a clever group costume with your co-workers for Children’s Book Week or you’re the parent of a little bookworm who needs a creative homemade costume for Halloween, there are so many easy ways to bring beloved storybook characters to life.
From classic children’s tales like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to more modern young adult novels like Harry Potter, we’ve rounded up the best book character costume ideas for teachers, adults and kids, including plenty of easy DIY options for anyone in need of a last-minute costume idea. In fact, most can be put together using items you already have in your closet and basic materials you can order on Amazon.
So if you’re ready to show off your book smarts at a Halloween party, parade or school fair by representing the wonderful world of literature, check out this list of the best book characters to dress as — then get ready to take home the award for “Best Costume” (the Halloween equivalent of a Pulitzer!).
40 Best Book Character Costumes Any Avid Reader Will Love
Think of your favorite childhood book. Now, think of the characters that make up the story. If you could be them for one day, would you? We know Ree Drummond would! For her, it was a whole series of books that had her completely captivated as a child. “I grew up reading the Little House on the Prairie series,” Ree says of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s most popular works. “I absolutely adored them.” When you’re that passionate about a book as a child, the love never really goes away—and that’s exactly what inspired us to put together this list of the best book character costumes to wear for Halloween.
Maybe you’re a teacher looking for a fun way to teach a literature lesson on October 31, maybe you’re looking for ideas for your kids, or perhaps you’re a parent wanting to step back into those magical, memorable pages yourself. Either way, you’ll love taking a trip down memory lane as you scroll through these easy Halloween costume ideas, which include sibling costumes, best friend costumes, group costumes, and more. There’s a DIY “Where’s Waldo?” costume here that’ll have your fellow Halloween party guests in stitches, a Lorax tutorial for those interested in saving the Truffula trees, and—of course!—a Little House-inspired look, too. There’s also plenty of pop culture costumes like Harry Potter and princesses! And we dare you to take a look at the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie costume included here and not crack a smile.
Because all of these ensembles are easy to DIY, they double as excellent last-minute Halloween costumes as well. Bookworms, prepare to be wowed! And if you’re here, you’ll probably want to check out these spooktacular Halloween books, too.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
A Beautiful Mess
How great is this? Think outside the fox (get it?) with this take on the children’s novel Fantastic Mr. Fox written by Roald Dahl. After you put together your vintage outfits, you can make a fox mask out of poster board and watercolor paint.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Peter Pan Costume
A Beautiful Mess
Though we all know and love the movies, Peter Pan was first a play and then a novel titled Peter and Wendy. The whole family can take a trip to Neverland with this magical group getup featuring the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up and The Lost Boys.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Cinderella Costume
Keiko Lynn
As the beloved princess once said, “Did you ever see such a beautiful dress? And look! Glass slippers. Why, it’s like a dream. A wonderful dream come true.” You can copy her iconic ensemble with a vintage blue dress, matching satin gloves, a black choker necklace and, if you really want to go all out, a blonde wig.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn.
The Handmaid’s Tale Costume
Living After Midnite
A deep red cloak and dress paired with a white bonnet will have you instantly recognizable as a Gilead handmaid from Margaret Atwood’s chilling novel. You can also grab a group to make this one even more impactful.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears Costume
A Beautiful Mess
This classic fairytale costume is just right! Since you can use clothes right from your own closet, the only things you’ll need to make are papier-mâché bear masks and a little golden wig! Bowls of porridge are optional.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Mary Poppins Costume
Merrick’s Art
Now this is one supercalifragilisticexpialidocious costume! You can probably throw it together using items you already have in your closet including a bag and umbrella. Just add a few charming accents like a hat and red ribbon.
Get the tutorial at Merrick’s Art.
Ms. Frizzle Costume
Maniacs in the Middle
Teachers and The Magic School Bus fans alike will get a kick out of this spunky costume. Luckily, it only takes a few steps to embody every child’s favorite bus driver. Just don’t forget her pal Liz the lizard!
Get the tutorial at Maniacs in the Middle.
Willy Wonka Costume
Hello Rigby
Halloween already comes with all things candy, so why not dress up as the master of chocolate himself? Grab your golden ticket and get to crafting! This one calls for a lot of purple.
Get the tutorial at Hello Rigby.
Amelia Bedelia Costume
The Chirping Moms
Literature’s most beloved and literal-minded housekeeper just got a costume tutorial! Once you layer the collared shirt under the long sleeve dress, everything will start coming together! How charming!
Get the tutorial at The Chirping Moms.
Hermione Costume
Sisters, What!
The tiny witch’s hat on this Hermione Granger costume couldn’t be cuter! Toddlers are certainly as headstrong as this character—though they may need a little more help mastering her go-to spells and charms. Bonus: If you’re looking for great group costumes, just add Harry Potter and Ron Weasley to complete this trio.
Get the tutorial at Sisters, What!
Eloise Costume
People Webs
If you ask us, Eloise and Weenie make the perfect duo for this Halloween! The super cute homage to the classic series by Kay Thompson will delight both kids and adults.
Get the tutorial at People Webs.
Tin Man Costume
A Pumpkin and a Princess
Get ready to take a stroll down the yellow brick road. Yep, you probably know The Wizard of Oz as a famous movie, but did you know that it was a book first? Channel the beloved character the Tin Man from this classic work.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.