Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (2024)

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (1)

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The only thing more fun than dressing up in a costume on Halloween? Getting lost in a good book. And if you're a bookworm who also happens to love Halloween, then you know that you'll find plenty of inspiration for costume ideas in fiction. Whether you're a teacher in need of some inspiration for Halloween or a parent planning for book character dress-up day at school, we have plenty of book character costume ideas for both kids and adults that you're sure to love. The best part: Everyone else is sure to appreciate your costume, too.

From characters inspired by classic fairytales, like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood, to far more modern fictional icons, like Katniss Everdeen and Harry Potter, we've got book character costumes that'll appeal to just about anyone. And don't worry if putting together DIY Halloween costumes isn't your thing — our list includes costumes that you can simply buy in time for the big day, too. Read on for all the best book character-inspired costumes for toddlers, tweens, teachers, and everyone in between, ranging from Fantastic Mr. Fox to Captain Underpants to Clifford the Big Red Dog.

1

Holly Golightly

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (3)

The iconic character of Holly Golightly was first introduced in Truman Capote's novel Breakfast at Tiffany's, and you can easily channel Holly with a black dress, pearls, and an updo.

SHOP TIARA HAIRPIECE

2

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (4)

Mr. Fox is one of Roald Dahl's most iconic storybook characters, and dressing up as him will ensure that you're warm and cozy all Halloween night long.

Get the Fantastic Mr. Fox Costume tutorial at Rachael Jess.

3

Fun Costumes Miss Frizzle

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (5)

3

Fun Costumes Miss Frizzle

You'll take everyone on a trip to the past when you're dressed as the kooky Miss Frizzle from Joanna Cole's The Magic School Bus.

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4

Coraline

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (6)

If you've already got a yellow rain slicker and boots at home, then taking on Neil Gaiman's classic character Coraline just requires a blue wig (or some blue hair dye, if you really want to commit).

SHOP BLUE WIG

5

Nancy Drew

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (7)

Want to spend Halloween night solving mysteries like Carolyn Keene's Nancy Drew? Then all you need is a plaid skirt, cardigan sweater, and magnifying glass.

Get the Nancy Drew Costume tutorial at The Homesteady.

6

Cat and Mouse Clothing Madeline

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (8)

6

Cat and Mouse Clothing Madeline

Dressing up like fearless French schoolgirl Madeline simply requires a blue cape and yellow hat just like Ludwig Bemelmans' character always wears.

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7

Little Red Riding Hood

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (9)

If you're feeling ready to take on the Big Bad Wolf, then simply layer a red hooded poncho over a red dress to become the classic fairytale character Little Red Riding Hood. Don't forget your basket of goodies!

SHOP RED PONCHO

8

Peter Pan

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (10)

You're never too old (or too young!) to dress up like J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan, and all it takes is an all-green ensemble and a red feather for your cap.

Get the Peter Pan Costume tutorial at Lovely Indeed.

RELATED: 26 Adorable Baby Halloween Costumes

9

Creative Cosmo Co Rainbow Fish

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (11)

9

Creative Cosmo Co Rainbow Fish

Fans of Marcus Pfister's Rainbow Fish will love that this costume doesn't require any other pieces (though, of course, you can feel free to accessorize however you'd like).

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10

Pippi Longstocking

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (12)

Astrid Lindgren's spunky character Pippi Longstocking is best known for her eclectic ensembles, so as long as you're willing to mix and match patterns, this costume is a breeze to put together.

SHOP MISMATCHED SOCKS

11

Captain Underpants

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (13)

If your kid gets a kick out of Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants series, then this clever DIY costume is a must.

Get the Captain Underpants Costume tutorial at Where the Smiles Have Been.

12

fun shack Very Hungry Caterpillar

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (14)

12

fun shack Very Hungry Caterpillar

Not only is this Eric Carle-inspired costume totally unique — it's also amazingly affordable and requires no other accessories.

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13

Dorothy

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (15)

Before she was brought to life by Judy Garland, Dorothy was a character from L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and you can become a Kansas farm girl yourself with a blue gingham dress and pigtails.

SHOP BLUE DRESS

RELATED: 20 Wizard of Oz Costumes That Are Affordable and Timeless

14

The Mouse King

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (16)

Though best known as a ballet, the story of the Nutcracker was actually inspired by E. T. A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and what could be more fun than dressing up as the king of the mice for Halloween?

Get the Mouse King Costume tutorial at See Vanessa Craft.

15

UNDERWRAPS Clifford the Big Red Dog

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (17)

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (18)

15

UNDERWRAPS Clifford the Big Red Dog

Now 26% Off

You don't have to be as tall as a house in order to dress like Norman Bridwell's larger-than-life character, Clifford the Big Red Dog.

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16

Cat in the Hat

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (19)

If you're looking to add a fun twist to the classic cat Halloween costume, then you can just put on an all-black ensemble, draw on some whiskers, add a red-and-white-striped hat, and become a Dr. Seuss character.

SHOP STRIPED HAT

17

Cinderella

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (20)

You'll look magical all night long (even after the clock strikes midnight!) if you dress up like the classic fairytale character Cinderella, complete with a pair of "glass" slippers.

Get the Cinderella Costume tutorial at Studio DIY.

RELATED: Best Disney Couple Costumes 2022

18

2troubleboys Max

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (21)

18

2troubleboys Max

Pretty much everyone is familiar with Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are, and dressing up your little one as the fearless Max is sure to be a hit.

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19

Katniss Everdeen

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (22)

An all-black ensemble, a bow, and a long braid are all you need to become the fierce Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games.

SHOP BOW

20

Pinocchio

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (23)

Before Walt Disney made him famous, Pinocchio was a character created by Italian author Carlo Collodi, and dressing up as the mischievous marionette is easier than you think.

Get the Pinocchio Costume tutorial at Lovely Indeed.

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (24)

Corinne Sullivan

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Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes (2024)

FAQs

Both Kids and Teachers Will Love These Easy Book Character Halloween Costumes? ›

The origin of dressing up in costumes was because it was thought that if people dressed as ghosts and demons the spirits might mistake them for one of their own and would not harm them. During the festival animals and even humans were sacrificed to appease Samhain.

Why do people dress up as characters for Halloween? ›

The origin of dressing up in costumes was because it was thought that if people dressed as ghosts and demons the spirits might mistake them for one of their own and would not harm them. During the festival animals and even humans were sacrificed to appease Samhain.

What do our Halloween costumes tell us about ourselves? ›

In addition to revealing personality types, psychologists say costume choices may also say something about how people manage impulses or what they're insecure about. People who choose scary might be more aggressive, controlling and daring.

What is book character day at school? ›

Book Character Day is celebrated every year on October 31st. Students, teachers, librarians, and book fans can bring their favorite characters to life. Schools across the country celebrate by inviting staff and students to dress up as their favorite characters.

What dress up characters start with B? ›

Costumes starting with B
  • Beetlejuice Deluxe Costume - Adult. From $67.95 See Options.
  • Anthony (Blue) Wiggle Deluxe Costume - Child. ...
  • Apron with Blood Splatters. ...
  • Bacon & Egg Couples Costume - Adult. ...
  • Bald Cap (Budget) ...
  • Banana Costume - Adult Standard. ...
  • Bandit EVA Face Mask (Bluey) ...
  • Barbie 1959 Original Doll Accessory Set - Adult Si.

Is Wednesday Addams a book character? ›

Who is Wednesday Addams? With the success of the recent Netflix show Wednesday, you'd be forgiven for thinking she's a TV and film character. However, there are plenty of Wednesday Addams books, too.

What makes a good main character in a book? ›

Main characters (sometimes called “principal characters”) come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, and who they are greatly depends on the kind of story you're telling. A main character doesn't have to be a good guy, but they should be a memorable character, and involved with the progression of the plot.

What book character wears normal clothes? ›

Book Characters that Wear Normal Clothes

Charlie Bucket” from 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' by Roald Dahl Perhaps one of the most famous Roald Dahl books thanks to the film(s), Charlie Bucket wears normal clothes typical for a young boy such as shirt/jumper and jeans.

Does a Halloween costume have to be scary? ›

Young girls often dress as entirely non-scary characters for Halloween, including princesses, fairies, angels, cute animals, and flowers. Halloween costume parties generally take place on or around October 31, often on the Friday or Saturday before the holiday.

Why can't celebrities dress up as movie characters? ›

Sag-Aftra, the actors' union, has cautioned its members that wearing such costumes could inadvertently promote content produced by the studios they are in dispute with. So, this means, dressing up as Barbie, Wednesday Addams and film superheroes is banned.

Why is Halloween on Oct 31? ›

Why do we celebrate Halloween? According to the Library of Congress, Halloween is celebrated (in part) because October 31 is the eve of All Saints Day, a day in which Christians remember and honor the dead. However, many people believe the holiday originates from an old Druid festival called “Samhain.

How do costumes tell a story? ›

Costumes may consist of clothes and accessories, but they play a multifaceted role in character development and storytelling. Among other things, costumes show social status, reflect internal struggles, reveals good vs evil characters and more.

What does Halloween remind you of? ›

Ancient History of Halloween

This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred.

Can you tell me the story of Halloween? ›

It was believed that on that day, the souls of the dead returned to their homes, so people dressed in costumes and lit bonfires to ward off spirits. In this way, popular Halloween tropes such as witches, ghosts, and goblins became associated with the holiday. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Do it yourself fancy dress ideas? ›

Make your own fancy-dress costume
  • Role Playing Equipment : Handcuffs made from Foam Rubber. ...
  • A Prison Uniform made from a white T-Shirt with black Stripes. ...
  • Dressing Up for Role Playing – a Bulletproof Waistcoat. ...
  • Marionette Puppets made from Strips of Wood and Gauze Bandage. ...
  • A Magician's Hat made from a die-cut Cone.

How do you look good in basic outfits? ›

Coordinating
  1. Vertical stripes make you look slim.
  2. Two shades of the same color (darks like black or navy) are slimming, but only if they match exactly!
  3. Choose colors that match but vary in shades. This can create a very interesting effect.
  4. Belts, purses, unusual shoes or accessories can spice up a monotonous outfit.

What should I do for character day? ›

The idea is simple: students may dress up as their favorite book characters, rather than the latest trending superhero or ghost. It really makes students stop to think about their favorite book and catch all the details about the character they love.

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