Run a two-hour workshop to help children design simple costume elements linked to their favourite books.
Objectives
Children will:
- Think about how to portray a favourite book
- Create a costume element to support their book recommendation
What you need
- World Book Day 2026 low-cost dressing-up pack
- Thin card (A3 sheets, mainly white with some colours)
- Elastic for masks
- Lolly sticks
- White pillowcases or fabric for tabards
- Assorted tape and glue
- Craft materials like sequins, feathers, foil, shiny paper
- Paints, pencils, rulers, brushes, and trays
- Floor or table coverings
Tip: Check your local scrapstore. We sourced most of this for under £30.
Workshop plan
0–15 minutes: Book circles
Children form two facing circles. Each child has 30 seconds to describe their favourite book to a partner before rotating to a new one.
Purpose: Children link costumes to book choices.
15–30 minutes: Template exploration
Children work in pairs with blank templates from the dressing-up pack. They discuss which template could represent their chosen book, then pass it on for others to explore.
Purpose: Children understand the options available.
30–1:45 minutes: Making time
Children choose a template and create their own costume element using the materials provided.
Purpose: Children design and make a personal costume piece.
1:45–2:00: Plenary and photos
Children share their finished costume elements and explain the book they represent. Take group photos to celebrate their work.
Purpose: Children feel proud and valued.
Costume tips
- Pick a book the child is happy to talk about
- Start with everyday items like t-shirts, tracksuits, or pyjamas
- Highlight the character’s standout features with props, simple face paint, or accessories
Related resources
- Low-cost dressing-up ideas for World Book Day
- Using dressing-up to encourage reading
- Dressing-up ideas for parents and carers
- Dressing-up ideas for educators
- Social reading activities that do not need costumes
Use of World Book Day resources
These resources are free to use for schools, early years settings, libraries, charities, and community groups celebrating World Book Day. Commercial organisations must have a partnership or licence agreement in place before using World Book Day assets. If you are interested in working with us, please contact [email protected].