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EUEasy & Inspired World Book Day Costumes for Kids
It’s nearly World Book Day which means it is time to start planning your child’s costume. But which World Book Day costume should you choose? We are here to take the stress out of planning and give you plenty of inspiration.
World Book Day, which falls on Thursday 5 March this year, is the perfect opportunity for children to dress up as their favourite book character. But it can also be a moment that instils a sense of panic in parents. Which character to choose and how to ensure your child feels comfortable, confident and most importantly proud of their outfit?
Popular World Book Day outfits this year include beloved characters like Matilda, Harry Potter, Pippi Longstocking, Where’s Wally and The Gruffalo (new book, Gruffalo Granny incoming this autumn) but there are many other characters kids will enjoy dressing up as. The more niche, the better. From fabulous fairies to storybook heroes, there is a costume for every child and every story.
Below we have put together some popular stories attached to costumes we sell to make your life even easier. We have also included a round-up of some of the favourite children’s books our staff are reading right now to inspire both costumes and story time. Whether your child loves reading about magical worlds, brave heroes or funny animals you will find ideas that are simple, creative and full of imagination.
Make this World Book Day special with kids book inspired costumes that spark creativity, storytelling and fun.
A Fabulous Fairy
From J.M. Barrie’s Tinkerbell in Peter Pan and Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies to Enid Blyton’s Silky from The Magic Faraway Tree (due out on 27 March), fairies have captured writers’ imaginations for centuries. Little ones still adore dressing up as these magical, elfin creatures and this season we have a beautiful new fairy outfit made from layered pink and ivory pleated organza with wings – simply magic!
A Graceful Swan
Few creatures are as elegant or graceful as the swan. From E. B. White’s The Trumpet of the Swan to Hans Christian Andersen’s The Wild Swans, these stunning birds have captured imaginations and inspired near-mythical reverence. Swan Lake continues to be one of the most beloved ballet productions across the globe. Enter this charming swan outfit, featuring a layered white tulle winged cape and a glittering gold beak headpiece. It’s sure to dazzle!
‘The Chronicles of Narnia has a truly timeless appeal – it’s one of those rare series that captivates readers at every age. The magic, adventure and unforgettable characters make it a story families return to again and again. With the new film adaptation due out later this year, there’s a real sense of excitement about introducing a whole new generation to Narnia on the big screen.’
Anna Marshall, Global PR & Communications Manager
A Magical Rainbow
Rainbows have an eternal appeal, inspiring wonderful stories across generations. Our rainbow cape fancy dress captures that magic, letting kids of all ages twirl, sparkle and feel like they’re stepping into a world of colour and imagination. From the shimmering scales of The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister to Dorothy’s journey over the rainbow in The Wizard of Oz, rainbows have always sparked creativity and delight. It’s a classic choice for fancy dress that will bring smiles and brighten any celebration.
A Wonderful Wizard
It’s not just the Albus Dombledore of the Harry Potter series that have secured wizards as one of the favoured World Book Day outfit choices – there’s a plethora of wizard-themed books for children or all ages. Some of our favourites? The Wizard of Once by Cressida Cowell and the Dungeons and Dragons series by Ulises Farinas. Our plush velvet wizard cape and hat combo will conjure magic for years to come.
‘I’ve recently loved revisiting Grimm’s Fairy Tales with my 9-year-old son, especially the quirkier, lesser-known stories. With so many wonderful tales, there’s plenty of World Book Day inspiration – from Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel to The Golden Goose. I’m also excited for the British Library’s Fairy Tales exhibition (27 March–23 August 2026), celebrating the lasting magic of children’s stories.’
Maggie Westhead, Senior Content Editor
A Perfect Princess
It’s an oldie but a goodie – dressing up as a princess has timeless appeal. Princesses have featured in stories for centuries. From Cinderella, first published in 1812, and The Princess and the Frog by E. D. Baker to modern heroines like Moana, Merida and Mulan, the princess remains a firm World Book Day favourite.
A Mighty Lion
From Disney’s classic Lion King to Ed Vere’s How to be a Lion and C.S. Lewis’ classic The Lion The Witch of the Wardrobe, the lion is literary classic. And it’s a cuddly choice for World Book Day, sure to raise smiles. Our charming cape costume features a swishy tail and sewn-in paws, plus a striking headdress for roaring good fun!
‘We love dogs so I’m looking forward to reading this to my 18-month-old boy. Dogs are naturally humorous creatures and If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackwell looks completely charming with the sweetest illustrations!’
Olivia Stevens, Global Marketing Manager
