Book Character Costumes

Looking for book character costumes to spark your child’s imagination? Maybe you’re looking for book character costumes for students.  Well, you’re in luck! We’re bringing together two of our absolute favorite things: books and the joy of creating costumes! 

We’ve handpicked five easy-to-make costumes inspired by some beloved characters from books that we read all the time (and I’m sure you do too!)

So, whether you’re attending a book-themed party or need diy book character costumes, these are sure to impress and get the job done. 

Plus, they’re super easy to create!

Get ready for some DIY fun with our Give A Mouse a Cookie costume, Paddington Bear costume, Amelia Bedelia attire, adorable Pete the Cat getup, and last but not least, a simple yet delightful Pinkalicious outfit.

Character Day Ideas

These DIY book character costumes are perfect for character day at school!  They are engaging, fun and easy to put together..even at the last minute!  You’ll also find links to some of our favorite books starring these characters! 

Don’t forget to check out these fun activities to go along with I Can Read Books for some easy activities to go along with your character costume!  We also have a fun halloween snack mix that is a great treat for character day at school.

5 Easy Book Character Costumes 

Amelia Bedelia Costume

Amelia Bedelia is an absolute classic!  This no-sew, easy to make costume brings the character to life!

Amelia Bedelia Costume Supplies: 

• Long sleeve black dress
• White collared shirt 
• White apron
• White tights
• Black shoes
• Large black foam sheet
• 1 bunch of yellow fake flowers 
• 2, 12″ pieces of white ribbon
• Hole puncher & scissors 

Find some of our favorite Amelia Bedelia titles here: Amelia Bedelia Books 

Directions for Amelia Bedlia DIY Costume:

For the outfit, just layer the collared shirt under the long sleeve dress. Then add the tights and shoes.

To make the hat: Cut a semi circle out of the large foam sheet. Using a hole puncher, punch a hole along the bottom of both sides. Tie a piece of ribbon through each hole. Pull off some of the fake yellow flowers and using the plastic back of the flower, punch it through the foam, trimming the top half of the foam semi circle.

You’ll tie the hat on with the 2 pieces of ribbon but may need a few bobby pins in the back to hold it in place. 

 

Paddington Bear Costume

Paddington Bear is another classic book that we love.  This diy book character costume is one of my favorites and so perfect for book character day at school!

Paddington Bear Costume Supplies:

• puffer vest
• long sleeve blue shirt
• PJ pants
• yellow rain boots
• red bucket hat
• brown suitcase

Find some of our favorite Paddington Books here: Paddington Bear Books 

Directions for Paddington Bear Costume: 

Ok, maybe this was actually the easiest, most reusable costume ever!

I just got Tommy dressed in his brown pj pants, blue long sleeve tshirt, blue vest, boots & hat. Then I added on the toggles (ordered from craft store site for $2 each).

I added with super sticky tape so we could reuse the vest easily. They look so cute that I am thinking about sewing them on. That’s an option too if you want to break out the needle & thread.

For the suitcase, I just cut out a piece of paper in the shape of a tag and wrote the classic Paddington Bear message on it.

Oh… last but not least, draw on a little bear nose with an eyeliner pencil.

 

Pete the Cat Costume

Pete the Cat may be a newer character in this list, but definitely a favorite!  I’ve seen quite a few Pete the Cat Book Character Day Costumes at schools. 

Supplies for Pete the Cat Costume: 

• Blue Pajama Shirt 
• Blue pajama bottoms
• Yellow tee
• Blue hat 
• Blue gloves
• Sticky felt: royal blue, light blue, green and red
• Eyeliner pencil
• Black marker 

Pete the Cat Book Character Costume Directions:

Cut out 4 groovy buttons from the red, green and 2 shades of blue sticky felt. Next, Draw the 4 button holes on each one with black marker and stick them onto the yellow tee.

Cut out 2 triangles from the blue sticky felt and stick them to the blue hat. Get dressed in your Pete outfit and last draw on a cat face with the black eyeliner pencil. Stay groovy! 

Find some of our favorite Pete the Cat titles here: Pete the Cat Books 

 

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Costume:

The book of cause and effect is not only fun but making the costume is so easy!  It’s perfect for little ones or elementary aged kids that need a book character day costume. We used my favorite Bella Bliss overalls for this one.  Speaking of, check out my favorite DIY Costumes with Bella Bliss.

1. Bella Bliss overalls
2. Find some fuzzy, thick yarn at the craft store and cut a piece for a tail. Pin the tail to the overalls.
3. Now you need some mouse ears! I used an old headband, the same fuzzy yarn from the tail and some stiff felt sheets. I hot glued the ears and trim to the headband and my little mouse was ready to go!
4. The book makes a good prop!

 

Pinkalicious Costume:

Get pink! This Pinkalicious book character costume is all about the pink and fun! 

Pinkalicious Supplies:

• pink leggings
• pink skirt
• pink t-shirt 
• wand
• feather boa
• pink shoes
• any other pink accessories you can find!

Find some of our favorite Pinkalicious titles here: Pinkalicious Books 

Pinkalicious Costume Directions:

This character day idea is sooo easy!

Using our favorite pink clothes from Primary.com, we added pink accessories that reminded us of the book.  Style the child’s hair in pig tails (if possible) like the character in the book and go “paint the town pink”! 

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Harper Collins. As always all thoughts, opinions and ideas for costumes are my own. 

Share Your Book Character Costumes!

If you decide to make one of these, we’d love for you to tag us on instagram @thechirpingmoms!  Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments!

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