Book Week 2023 is just around the corner, and you’re in one of two camps; you love Book Week and have been planning the kids’ costumes for months, or you’re desperately searching for last minute Book Week costumes.

If you’re in the latter group, you’re in luck! We’ve done all of the hard work and research for you, and uncovered some of the best last minute book week ideas that you can whip up a couple of days before, or if you’re really under the pump – the night before the Book Week parade!

This year, Book Week is being held from August 19-25, with the theme Read, Grow Inspire. Whether your school teams with the theme, or kids are able to go as whatever character they like from their favourite children’s book, there’s a costume here for everyone! We’ve also added a few last minute, easy Book Week  ideas for teachers.

18 Last Minute Book Week Costumes

The clock’s ticking down and you need to pull together a Book Week costume yesterday! Fear not, choose something from our list of easy last minute dress ups for book week.

A Bad Case Of The Stripes

If you’ve got some rainbow clothing and bright face paint, this super impressive last minute costume is totally doable! (via rochelle.jaimee)

Bush Magic

This is almost too sweet for words! And talk about last-minute, this can literally be put together the morning of! Head to the garden, pick some bright, fresh flowers, attach to a straw hat, a few cute freckles and you’re done! (via kylie_howarth)

Busting

Aaron Blabey books always feature heavily in Book Week parades, and thankfully the costumes can be pretty simple to make. Making Lou’s head is as easy as drawing it onto cardboard and cutting it out! (via learnwithplayathome)

Thelma The Unicorn

Speaking of Aaron, here’s another one of his super popular books, and we’re pretty sure this is the EASIEST costume ever! Just use a sparkly party hat and you’ve got a unicorn horn ready to go! (via tutus_and_tambourines)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Yet another very popular costume, because it’s so easy! Get your child to draw the Wimpy Kid’s head onto some card and make a mask. A white tee and black shorts finishing it off perfectly. (via sofreakingorganised)

Pelé (Little People, Big Dreams)

Most kids have a Little People, Big Dreams book or two in their collection. One like this is super easy to pull off if they also happen to play the sport of the featured person! Also, don’t be afraid to raid the kids’ dress up closet to find the right costume. (via alinepotenza)

Charlotte’s Web

An absolute classic, and there’s nothing to buy. Just a shirt and some overalls, and a plush pig are all that’s needed. A fake spider in the hair doesn’t go astray either! (via emmasteendam)

Where Is The Green Sheep?

Have you ever seen anything so adorable! If you have two or more tots featuring in a book week parade, why not create a whole herd of cardboard sheep from this classic children’s book. (via megan_sparke)

Pokémon

There’s no need to turn to the classics for Book Week, just go with whatever interests your child. And if it’s Pokémon so be it. Get creative with a facemask and some cardboard and you’re done in no time! (via maddi_jayne_and_me)

Stranger Things

This has to be one of the most clever, and super relevant costumes for this year’s parade! Grab some 80s-inspired clothes and props and your kid is ready for the Upside Down. (via themindfulmother)

The Magic Faraway Tree

We just love the simple creativity of this costume from an absolute classic! A saucepan fashioned from foil and a beard made from felt and you’re set! (via andros83)

The BFG

While you can actually purchase this costume, if you have a pink dress, blonde wig (or your child is blonde!) and some glasses (throw in a cucumber for good measure), you’ve got Sophie from the BFG. (via licindapics)

Miffy

Naaw! Could this be ANY sweeter! The most simple hat and you’ve got a little Miffy! (via m3gan_andtheboys)

Tin Tin

You can’t go wrong with some red hair spray and a trench for this classic character! (via styleandshenanigans)

Last minute, easy book week costumes for teachers

If you’re a teacher and you’re madly searching for the perfect, last minute costume for Book Week, we’ve got you covered with these simple ideas.

The Gruffalo

The decals for this hat were made using a Cricut, but if you’re handy with fabric paint you could easily do something similar. (via teacherishappy)

Mr Men & Little Miss

It really doesn’t get much easier than picking your favourite Mr Men or Little Miss character, drawing them on coloured card and cutting them out! (via miss_courtney_teaches)

The Paper Bag Princess

An oldie but a goodie, a simple cardboard crown and butcher paper and there’s no mistaking this princess. (via giftedandtalentedteacher)

The Good Egg

Just raid the cardboard cupboard at school, get creative and you’re The Good Egg in less than half an hour! (via miss_broughton)

Need somewhere to store your little bookworm’s favourite stories? Our list of Australia’s best kids’ bookshelf designs has something for everyone!