World Book Day is the perfect excuse to bring your little one’s favourite storybook characters to life - and this year, we have teamed up with HarperCollins to make this year’s costume planning a whole lot easier.
Whether your little one dreams of causing mischief in a striped hat, roaring like a lion, or falling down a rabbit hole into wonderland, there is something here to spark every little reader’s imagination. In this guide, we are sharing 8 iconic World Book Day costume ideas inspired by popular books, all instantly recognisable, and perfect for bringing their favourite story to life, because you know what they say, every great costume starts with a great book.
The Cat in the Hat
📚 - The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss
When it comes to Book Day, there is one name that instantly springs to mind - the wonderful world of Dr Seuss. Although all his books are equally incredible, The Cat in the Hat easily has to be one of the most iconic. From his bold black and white fur to that instantly recognisable red & white striped hat, this mischievous character is impossible to miss. Loved by children and adults alike, he’s the perfect choice for bringing a little fun and chaos to Book Day celebrations.
So, what are you waiting for…Let the Seussical fun begin! Shop our Cat in the Hat collection here.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
📚 - The Tiger who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
The Tiger who Came to Tea is easily one of the most beloved children’s books of all time. Published in 1968 the story follows a hungry tiger who unexpectedly visits young Sophie & her family for tea, eating all their food. This iconic story makes a brilliant Book Day costume choice, and with our seriously adorable Tiger costume it has never been easier. Put on our tiger jumpsuit & let your little ones bring their wildest imaginations to life!
When I Grow Up
📚 - When I Grow Up I'd Like To Be... by Rob Biddulph
Ask a child what they want to be when they grow up and you’ll probably get five different answers before lunch. From saving lives to flying planes (or both at the same time), kids have big dreams and fancy dress is the perfect way to bring them to life.
When I Grow Up costumes are a firm favourite for World Book Day. They’re fun, recognisable, and let kids step straight into their future selves, even if that future changes daily.
Whether your little one is a budding doctor or wants to catch criminals as a policeman, Shop our occupation costumes here!
Percy the Parkkeeper - One Springy Day
📚 - One Springy Day by Nick Butterworth
Published in 2019, One Springy Day is an addition to the much-loved Percy the Parkkeeper series, and is not only a brilliant book, but an even better choice for World Book Day costumes. The story follows a fox playing hide & seek with Percy and the animals of the park, all is going well until things take a hilarious turn, when he finds himself in an embarrassingly sticky situation, getting stuck in a pot of strong glue! Whether your little one wants to be a fox with a mischievous grin or put a spring in their step and channel their inner bunny, with our animal collection, your little ones can bring their favourite creature to life with ease this Book Day.
The Chronicles of Narnia
📚 - The Cronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis
Known for its magic, mythical beasts and talking animals, Narnia is by far one of the most iconic fantasy novels of all time, and with loads of incredible characters it’s the perfect choice for your World Book Day costume. Throughout the incredible novels we discover an endless number of iconic characters, but one who stands out the most has to be Aslan, the majestic, talking lion who created and rules the world of Narnia.
So, if you’re still looking for your Book Day costume why not practice your roar and channel your inner Aslan with our seriously adorable Lion Costume. And it’s not just the kids who can take part; with our Adults Lion Onesie you can let your wild side run free this Book Day as well!
Murray and Bun
📚 - Murray & Bun! by Adam Stower
Meet your new favourite duo: Murray & Bun. The story follows Murray, a quiet Cat, and his energetic friend Bun, who travel through an enchanted cat flap into exciting historical adventures!
Perfect for those friends who are joined at the hip, or an adorable matching sibling outfit, Murray & Bun is the perfect Book Day costume for those budding dynamic duos, check out our Cat & Rabbit Costumes here! Want to take it even further? Add some historical accessories to your look, think Vikings, pirates, knights…perfect for looking like you have come straight from one of their exciting adventures.
Skulduggery Pleasant
📚 - Skulduggery pleasant by Derek Landy
Looking for something darker & a bit more edgy? Skulduggery Pleasant is a dark fantasy book known for its fast-paced action and dark witty humour. Following the story of young detective Valkyrie Cain and her skeletal mentor Skulduggery Pleasant, this book is the perfect choice for older kids who still want to get involved this Book Day. Want something easy? Check out our Skeleton jumpsuit! Or if you want something you can wear over your normal clothes? Check out our Day of the dead Senor Skeleton costume!
It isn’t just the kids who can get involved with this look, the adults can also channel their inner Skulduggery Pleasant with our Day of the Dead Senor Skeleton Costume.
Alice with a Why
📚 - Alice with a Way by Anna James
Everyone loves to classic story of Alice in Wonderland, why not return to Wonderland in this extraordinary re imagining of Alice’s adventures, following Alice’s granddaughter as she takes a tumble down a familiar rabbit hole! Whether it’s for kids or adults, Alice in wonderland has always been a popular costume choice for Book Day, from Mad Hatter to the grinning Cheshire cat, Queen of Hearts, and the main character Alice herself. It’s the perfect family costume for this Book Day. Shop our Alice in Wonderland collection here & get you and your little ones Book Day ready in no time!
There you have it, 8 iconic World Book Day costume ideas inspired by some of the most popular children’s books. We hope this has given you the Book Day inspo that you need, and remember there is still time to get those last-minute Book Day looks sorted, check out our storybook costume collection and get your whole family sorted in time for the big day.
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