Looking for a fun costume idea to bring your child’s favorite storybook character to life? This list features over 20 easy, DIY book character costumes you can make at home! Some costumes are more elaborate than others, but I promise there are plenty of simple ideas that use items you likely already have, plus a few accessories (Amazon is a great resource). You can keep it easy or go all out with a full DIY approach—whatever works best for you!
‘CURIOUS GEORGE’ BY MARGRET REY AND H. A. REY
The Man with the Yellow Hat costume gets even better when paired with a friend or fellow teacher dressed up as Curious George!
DIY Librarian Costume
DIY Tween Luna Lovegood Costume
This Luna Lovegood costume is perfect for tweens! Let her mix and match clothes from her own closet, and she can even help craft a felt scarf to complete the look.
DIY Anne: Anne of Green Gables
Let your child embody the lively, free-spirited Anne Shirley with this charming Halloween costume! Dress her in a cute green dress, add a straw hat, and style her hair in pigtails. Just be sure not to call her “Carrots”!
DIY Peter Pan: Peter and Wendy
This charming costume is the perfect reminder for your little adventurer to never grow up!
DIY Dorothy and Glinda Costumes: The Wizard of Oz
If you haven’t dived into The Wizard of Oz book series yet, now’s the perfect time! Dorothy and Glinda the Good Witch make enchanting costumes for best friends.
DIY Wocket in Pocket Costume: There’s a Wocket in My Pocket!
Dr. Seuss is a treasure trove of delightful Halloween costume ideas, and this one is no exception! Inspired by the whimsical creatures from There’s a Wocket in My Pocket!, your child can bring the book’s playful wordplay to life with this fun and easy costume.
DIY Willy Wonka Costume: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Are you a big kid who can’t resist candy (even while trying to eat more kale)? Embrace the sugary whimsy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by transforming yourself into Willy Wonka himself!
DIY Lorax Costume: The Lorax
Here’s a Halloween costume that’s ideal for your little planet protectors! If they can’t get enough of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, dress them in orange shirts, furry glasses, and give them signs that say, “Save the Truffula Trees!”
DIY Giving Tree Costume: The Giving Tree
This book may be a tear-jerker, but you can celebrate those heartwarming moments by teaming up with your little one for Halloween! Dress as the boy in a small pair of overalls, while you don an all-green outfit adorned with felt leaves to represent the tree.
DIY Luna Lovegood Costume: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
There’s no one sassier in the Harry Potter series than Luna Lovegood, and this costume perfectly captures her essence! With her copy of The Quibbler and oversized sunglasses, your girl will transform from a Muggle to a Hogwarts student in no time.
DIY Tin Man Costume: The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz was a beloved book long before it became a movie, and your child can pay homage to this timeless story with a Tin Man costume! A little silver spray paint and some cardboard can work wonders to create this iconic look.
DIY Mr. Fox Costume: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Download blogger Rachel Faucett’s printable mask template, grab your sewing machine, and get ready to craft this classic costume inspired by the beloved book!
DIY Hedwig Costume: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Whooooooo can create this seriously adorable Harry Potter Hedwig baby costume? The best part is, it’s a no-sew project, so the answer is everyone!
DIY Baby Max Costume: Where the Wild Things Are
Let the wild rumpus begin! With this DIY book character costume, your baby will look just like Max, adventuring among monsters and other fearsome creatures.
DIY Musketeer Costume: The Three Musketeers
Gather two more kids from the neighborhood and whip up three of these easy costumes together!
DIY Waldo Costume: Where’s Waldo?
If you’re an avid crocheter (or want to be one), this DIY Waldo hat is a simple project to tackle. Pair it with a red-and-white striped shirt and round black glasses for the complete look!
DIY Nancy Drew Costume
Channel your favorite teenage detective with this fun costume! Start with a yellow cardigan in the perfect shade, a white collared shirt, and a plaid yellow pleated skirt. Complete the look with a yellow headband, a vintage flashlight or binoculars, and a couple of classic Nancy Drew books as accessories.
‘Pinocchio’ by Carlo Collodi
You can make an adult or child version of this fairytale-inspired puppet costume, and it’s easier than you might think! Just remember, the long nose that grows when you lie is not included!
‘Cinderella’ by Charles Perrault
This time, when you (or your little one) dress up in a ball gown, you won’t have to worry about it turning into rags at the stroke of midnight!
