Kiddipedia
If you’ve ever found a crumpled note in the school bag announcing a dress-up day tomorrow, this one’s for you. Book Week and the 100th Day of School don’t have to mean a late-night scramble — with a bit of planning, they can be some of the easier, happier days on the school calendar. Here are ten costume ideas you can put together from what’s already at home.
These two days always seem to sneak up
Book Week and the 100th Day of School are two of the biggest dress-up days in Australian schools, and in my experience, two of the most likely to catch parents off guard. The reminder tends to turn up exactly when you have the least time to do anything about it.
We help families get ready for these days all year, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that kids don’t need the fanciest costume in the room. They need something they can actually move in, that they recognise, and that they’re happy to keep on all day. The elaborate ones often end up bunched in a school bag by lunchtime.
For the record, the Children’s Book Council of Australia has Children’s Book Week 2026 running from 22–28 August, with the theme “Symphony of Stories.” But don’t overthink the theme. Start with a book your child already loves — the costume gets a lot easier once you’ve settled on the character.
10 easy costume ideas you can put together at home
1. The “100-year-old”
The 100th Day classic. A cardigan, glasses with the lenses popped out, a homemade walking stick, and a dusting of talc or dry shampoo in the hair. Cheerful, a bit silly, and comfy enough to last the day.
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
A green top, a red beanie, and a few paper fruit shapes pinned on. Great for younger children — and a good excuse to reread the book the night before.
3. Max from Where the Wild Things Are
White pyjamas, a paper crown, and a soft toy under the arm. Ideal for the child who wants to stay in comfy clothes.
4. A Dr Seuss character
Red-and-white stripes and a tall paper hat can go a long way. This is a lovely option for siblings or friends who want to dress as a small group without needing anything too complicated.
5. Alice in Wonderland
A blue dress, a white apron or plain white T-shirt, and a black headband. A stuffed rabbit or a playing card is plenty of detail.
6. A storybook wizard or witch
A dark robe and a wand made from a twig or chopstick can work for Harry Potter, The Worst Witch, and many well-loved magical characters from children’s books. It’s one of the easiest ideas with a big visual impact.
7. Paddington Bear
A blue coat, a red hat, and a luggage tag that reads “Please look after this bear.” This is a sweet choice for kids who don’t like face paint, masks, or anything too fussy.
8. Matilda
Everyday clothes, a big red bow, and a stack of books under the arm. If you’re truly out of time, this one can come together in about five minutes.
9. The Gruffalo, or any favourite animal
Brown or grey clothes plus felt ears and a painted nose can work for the Gruffalo, a bear, a fox, a mouse, or another favourite picture-book animal. Just bring or name the book so the outfit clearly connects back to a story.
10. Whatever is already in the dress-up box
A superhero, a pirate, a dinosaur, or a princess can all work if your child can connect the costume to a book they know. It doesn’t need to be the most original costume — it just needs to help your child feel included and connected to the story.
Four things that make the morning easier
1. Comfort wins
They’ll be sitting on the floor, eating lunch, and tearing around at recess in this outfit. If it’s itchy, too warm, or hard to manage at the toilet, it probably won’t survive until home time.
2. Let them choose
A child will wear almost anything happily if it was their idea. A confident child in a simple costume is much better than a grumpy one in a perfect costume.
3. Sort it the night before
Costume, shoes, socks, props, and the book — all laid out. It’s a two-minute job that can save a very stressful morning.
4. Keep a backup
A torn seam or missing prop shouldn’t ruin the day. A book under the arm and a simple name tag can rescue almost any last-minute outfit.
When making one isn’t realistic
Some weeks you just don’t have the time, the craft drawer, or the energy — and that’s completely normal. A shop-bought costume is a perfectly good option, especially when it’s comfortable and easy for kids to get on and off themselves.
When the reminder lands late or your child changes their mind at the last minute, having a few ready-made Book Week costumes to fall back on can take the pressure off.
However you get there — handmade, thrown together, or bought the week before — the day works when your child feels part of it. That’s really the whole point.
Happy dressing-up.
About the author
Nicole is the founder of Kids Book Week Costumes, an Australian store helping families get ready for Book Week, the 100th Day of School, and everyday school dress-up days. Based in Melbourne and shipping Australia-wide, Nicole and her team focus on practical, comfortable costumes that make school events easier for busy parents and more fun for kids.
