Registration opens in September for World Book Day 2027

Dressing-up ideas for parents and carers

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A young child wearing a red dinosaur costume sits on a black chair, smiling. The costume includes a hood resembling a dinosaur head. Two stickers are visible on the child's outfit, one with a smiley face. People are seated in the background, suggesting an indoor event.
Home > Resources > Dressing-up ideas for parents and carers

Some schools invite children to wear costumes for World Book Day. Dressing-up can be a fun way to get children talking about books, sharing recommendations, and celebrating what they enjoy reading.

These dressing-up ideas for parents focus on keeping things simple, low-cost and centred on books rather than outfits.

Easy costume tips

When helping your child choose what to wear, start with the book.

  • Pick a book your child is happy to talk about
  • Use items you already own, such as tracksuits, T-shirts or pyjamas
  • Add one simple detail to show the character, setting or idea from the book
  • Focus on comfort so your child feels confident on the day

A small prop or label can say just as much as a full costume.

If dressing up feels hard

Not every child enjoys dressing-up, and that is okay. There are plenty of ways to take part.

  • No book to share? Try a T-shirt or badge that invites recommendations
  • Not keen on costumes? Use everyday clothes with one prop or label
  • Prefer non-fiction? Celebrate facts, subjects or dress as an author
  • Not crafty? Use hats, ears, stickers or a sign pinned to clothing
  • Stuck for ideas? Use our Low-cost dressing-up ideas inspired by this year’s £1/€1.50 World Book Day books to help you get started

The book choice matters more than how the costume looks.

Get involved

If you are part of a PTA or class group, you could help make things easier for families.

  • Organise a costume swap or simple workshop using our Class Costume Workshop guide
  • Set up a shared dressing-up rail at school
  • Help families share low-cost ideas ahead of time

Working together can reduce pressure and make the day more inclusive.

Support reading for fun

Costumes are just one way to join in. World Book Day is about helping children enjoy reading on their own terms. Find out more on our families page.

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].

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