We have put together more than 50 ideas for Book Week costumes. Dressing up in their favourite characters, heroes and villains is so much fun!
The 2021 Theme for Bookweek is:
“Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds”
Book Week 2021 is held the week of August 21st – 27th.
Book Week 2021 is a great opportunity for parents and kids to brainstorm up all sorts of types of costumes, here are some really fantastic character ideas for many different books. We have girl’s costumes, boy’s costumes, and unisex costumes! We will add more as we see them!
We have unisex costumes, boys and girls costumes – and everything in between!
We Now Have Book Week Costumes for ASD Kids!
This year we have added something a bit special – we have a whole section on costumes that may be suitable for kids with ASD to wear. For those who ask how we came up with these, I asked my ASD son if he would wear them (the boy’s costumes anyway) and he said yes to these.
These costumes are simple, are minimalistic, have no sleeves or simple sleeves or masks – but are still super cool! We hope you enjoy it!
Make sure you order your Book Week Costume early to ensure you get it on time!
More Reading: 12 Early Signs You Might be in Labour and Not Know it!
Main Stockists of Book Week Costumes
These are the stockists that we used for Book Week Costumes (if you want to go straight there instead of looking at our ideas) plus how to get a discount!
Costume Box
- See their Book Week Costumes Collection at Costumes.com.au
- Get free shipping on orders over $79
- See their Book Week Costumes 2021 Collection
- Sign up to their newsletter and get 10% off!
Halloween Costumes.com
- Halloween Costumes is based in the United States and they have the largest range of costumes I’ve ever seen! They ship to Australia!
Table of Contents:
- Book Week Costumes for Old Worlds
- Book Week Costumes for New Worlds
- Book Week Costumes for Other Worlds
- Book Week Costumes That Are ASD Friendly
Old World Book Week Costumes for 2021
1. The Deluxe Dragon Costume
Adorable Deluxe Dragon Costume is totally ‘Out of this World’. It is available in sizes Medium and Large, this Deluxe Kids Dragon Costume comes with detachable wings, a mask and a tail. Terrorise a village or steal away a princess – perfect for Bookweek!
2. Toga Costume
A basic and easy costume that is suitable for boys and girls and everyone else in between! The costume comes as a tunic with two shawls, a trim belt and the leaf headpiece. Sandles are not included.
3. Mozart Classical Composer
Become the amazing composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for the day during Book Week at your school. The costume consists of a fancy red jacket with gold braiding, a gold button up mock vest and a pair of blue ‘knickers’ and a lace tie.
If you want to go even further – you can grab a Colonial Grey Wig!
4. Beethoven Classical Composer Costume
If your child has always wanted to wear a cravat to school – they are in luck with the Beethoven Classical Composer Costume for Book Week 2021. The perfect Unisex Costume for Winter in Australia!
5. Be a Scary Fire Breathing Dragon!
If you have a little man or little lady that is keen on being a DRAGON at kindy or daycare for Book Week – then this costume is super cute. It is a bodysuit with an attached tail, a hood for the head and shoe covers.
6. Knights of Old Armour Costume
A great costume for toddlers and preppy’s, be a knight of the round table at King Arthur’s Court, or defend a princess in the tower or even fight a Dragon!
The costume is just two pieces – a cape and a hood – so nice and easy to dress the little ones over their own clothing.
7. Triceratops Dinosaur Costume
Arrrggghhhhhhhh! What kids don’t love Dinosaurs? This Triceratops is perfect for the kindy or preppy who is dinosaur-obsessed! It is a two-piece Book Week costume consisting of a jumpsuit and a headpiece. Plus Book Week 2021 ‘Old World’ – well what is older than dinosaurs huh!
8. Roman Gladiator Costume
This Book Week Costume is available in three sizes (small, medium and large) – this inexpensive costume comes in three pieces, a shirt, tunic and pants with the attached boot tops. If you have a sword laying around at home – perfect!
9. Robin Hood Prince of Thieves Costume
Not just a good story, but Robin Hood fits the ‘Old World’ perfectly for Book Week 2021. The costume is perfect for medium to larger kids and comes in medium, large and extra-large. The costume has four pieces, the top, gauntlets, belt with pouch and boot tops.
10. Valiant Knight Costume
Another variation on the other Knight Costume – this one is more Game of Thrones than Knights of the Round Table. Knight Book Week costumes are popular this year – this costumes consists of four pieces, the tunic, hood, belt and boot tops.
11. First Fleet Officer Costume
Be an Officer on the First Fleet with this adorable First Fleet Officer Costume – comes in medium and large sizing and consists of a jacket with best, a cravat, sash and boot toppers.
If you want to be more authentic you can grab a Colonial Man White Wig and a Pistol (but they are sold separately).
12. Captain Cook Costume
Another variation of the Captain Cook Costume – this boys costume will suit any historical or ‘Old World’ Book Week theme. This costumes comes in five parts, topcoat with best, three-quarter pants, a hat, cravat and shoe buckles.
13. Early Pioneer Costume
A Unisex Costume that is suitable for any early-Australian Book Week Characters that will suit the ‘Old World’ Book Week theme of 2021. The costume consists of a shirt, bandana, pants and suspenders. The hat isn’t included.
14. Renaissance Kid
Another great Unisex Costume for Book Week 2021. Become a commoner from the renaissance period. The costume consists of a white lace up shirt with long sleeves and ruffled cuffs, an attached burgundy and grey vest, brown trousers and a brown belt.
15. Convict Costume (Unisex)
Be a convict in early Australia with this traditional convict costume that consists of a striped shirt and elasticised-waisted pants with a matching cap and a stick-on prison number. Comes in Small, Medium and Large sizing. You can even grab a ball and chain (sold separately) for a more authentic style!
16. Early Australian Girls Costume
This Early Australian Costume comes in three parts, the dress, apron and bonnet cap – perfect for re-enacting any early Australian Books. Early Australian theme is a great Book Week Costumes idea as you can go as so many characters!
17. Picnic at Hanging Rock Costume
Picnic at Hanging Rock is an iconic movie – and originally an iconic book. This costume is for an early Australian type character and comes in two pieces, the dress with pinafore and the bonnet.
18. Victorian Girls Costume
Scrub the floors and make the beds with this early Victorian Peasant Girl costume. Perfect for a ‘Before’ Cinderella! The costume is three pieces, the dress, apron and the cap. Just wear your own stockings and shoes underneath!
19. Frontier Settler Girls Costume
Go back in time with this Early Settler Girls Costume – perfect for early Australiana stories or even a Little House on the Prarie type character. The costume is a gingham print bonnet, a brown patterned dress with long sleeves and an attached white apron. Just wear your own boots and socks to complete the look!
20. Renegade Cowboy Costume
If you want to be an Old World Character for Book Week 2021, why not be a Renegade Cowboy, riding the plains of the Old West. The costume is five-piece, a jacket, vest, bandana, hat and belt. Let your little man (or lady) ride off into the sunset!
21. Victorian Settler Costume
‘Please Sir, Can I Have Some More?’. You can be an Oliver Twist, hard-working in this old Victorian Boys Costume which includes tattered pants, an olive shirt with an attached grey waistcoat and a matching hat.
22. Colonial Settler Boys Costume
Be a fancy rich Colonial Settler with this adorable little boys costume. The costume consists of a shirt with an attached vest and jabot, pants, hat and shoe buckles. Perfect for any historical stories of the Old World for Book Week 2021.
23. Renaissance Queen
Turn your little Princess into a Queen, with this gorgeous Renaissance Century Queens Costume… Right out of the pages of Medieval times. The costume is a blue and white long-sleeved robe with an up-turned collar and long drapey sleeves, a fancy ‘pearl’ necklace and most importantly, the crown!
24. Woodland Maiden Costume
Be a Woodland Maiden in the times of Robin Hood and his Merry Men or meet Prince Charming! Perfect for historical or medieval times ‘Old Worlds’ for Book Week 2021. The costume is just two-piece, the dress and headband. The dress is a full-length velour skirt in olive green.
25. Girls Viking Costume
Did you know that Viking Women also fought in Viking Wars? They were called ‘She-Maidens’ – and they were just as tough as the men. Now you can be a She-Maiden for Book Week in this Girls Viking Costume. The costume comes with a white dress with chain-mail style hemming, a brown cape with grey faux fur trim, a red belt studded and brown fingerless gloves. It also comes with the half Viking helmet (even though Vikings never wore horns).
26. Mary Poppins
Did you know that the writer of Mary Poppins comes from Maryborough in Queensland? They have a Mary Poppins lookalike that will show you where the author grew up. But dressed as Mary Poppins, you can be practically perfect in every way. The costumes come in sizes small enough for a three-year old (kindy) and large enough for early primary school.
27. Captain Cutie Girls Pirate Costume
Take command of your Kindergarten with this adorable little girls pirate costume. Pretty in pink and black – the costume is the dress with a belt and the hat. The sword is sold separately.
Just wear your own black pants and boots underneath and you are ready to sail the high seas!
28. Rebel Pirate Girls Costume
This Pirate Costume for girls is more suited to the older girls – in years 5 and 6. The costume is a shirt with attached vest, pants, bandana, eye patch, waist sash, belt and a pair of boot tops!
Arrggghhhh Me Hearties!!!
29. Pirate Mate Boys Costume
If your little man wants to be a Pirate at Daycare or Kindy – this pint-sized pirate costume will be captain-worthy! Comes with a pair of red pants with black stripes and a patch (with a small hole on the other leg), a thick brown belt with a large ornate buckle, a mini foam sword and a gold skull and crossbones pendant on the shoulder. Finally, the tricorn hat just finishes off the look!
30. Doug the Dinosaur
Suitable for ages 3 – 4, Doug the Dinosaur is a simple jumpsuit that can be worn over your child’s clothing with a zip up the front so it’s easy to get in and out of.
31. Inflatable Velociraptor Costume (Unisex)
Get around the school on Book Week Day dressed in your inflatable Velociraptor Costume! Super fun and unique, guaranteed to make everyone smile! All you need are 4 x AA batteries to keep the small battery operated fan inside the costume inflated.
32. Cave Girl Costume
Be feeling the Flintstones in this Cave Girl Costume complete with high neck sleeveless animal print dress with black faux fur neckline, ragged hem with brown and black tulle underneath.
33. Victorian School Girl Costume
Step back in time with this Victorian-style School Girl costume – perfect for ‘Old World’ Book Week 2021.
34. Tudor Princess Costume
Most little girls LOVE dressing up as a Princess, now she can go to school on Book Week dressed as one for the ‘Old World’ Book Week Theme. Tudor style royal blue dress with a matching headband – nice and simple – and perfect for an Anne Boleyn.
Other World Costume Ideas for 2021
1. Out of This World Alien Costume
Book Week 2021 can be ‘Out of This World’ – and you can show earthlings that you come in peace – and cuteness with this Alien Costume for girls. Iridescent purple and blue off the shoulder dress with ruffles, a purple translucent PVC over-skirt and a metallic pink choker with a heart-shaped pendant. A pair of kooky antennae’s and finally a pair of purple gloves with alien fingertips! Adorbs! Retails for $69.99
2. Be an Astronaut (This Costume INFLATES!)
Requiring 4 x AA batteries, this amazing costume INFLATES! It may not be practical for school – but it pretty damn cool! This costume fits most kids aged 5 – 11. A fan inside the costume inflates it in seconds and lasts up to 7 hours.
3. Nasa Jumpsuit (Unisex)
A simple but excellent Book Week 2021 Costume that comes in loads of sizes and is Unisex. Be a NASA Astronaut on a mission to Mars! Add a pair of aviator sunnies and a clipboard for maximum effect! Book Week Costumes that are overalls are nice and simple for school!
4. Cosmic Alien Costume (Unisex)
With a hooded robe, a fabric mask and gloves, no one will ever suspect that it is you behind this awesome alien costume. Retails for just $33.99!
5. Astronaut with Inflatable Backpack (Unisex)
As far as Book Week Costume Ideas go, you can’t beat a space theme that matches them for this year’s Book Week theme ‘Other Worlds’. This costume has an inflatable backpack (you just need a couple of batteries) – and the costume includes the jumpsuit with boot tops, the helmet, gloves and backpack.
6. Silver Alien Costume for Girls
With leggings, dress, wrist cuffs and a headband, this adorable girl Silver Alien Costume is out of this world! The blue and purple metallic dress have pointed alien-like shoulders and a structured silver skirt that looks almost inflatable.
7. Men in Black Costumes (Unisex)
A Unisex and easy costume idea for Book Week 2021, Be a part of the Men in Black team, galaxy defenders! The costume includes the long sleeve black top with a ‘faux’ white shirt printed with a black tie. Sunglasses are included but you have to wear your own pair of black pants.
8. Princess Leia Costume
Be a Princess of the Outta Space kind! Princess Leia is the iconic character from Star Wars, a great Book Week Costume Idea for Book Week 2021. The costume kit includes the white dress, belt and headband with faux hair.
9. Star Wars Episode 9 Rey
Be a fierce Jedi with this Star Wars Episode 9 Rey costume. Retails for just $36.99 and includes the jumpsuit, the arm wraps, arm cuff and belt. Grab it for Book Week 2021.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy Gamora Costume
Be Out of this world with one of these fantastic Book Week Costume Ideas – the Guardians of the Galaxy Gamora Duluxe Girls Costume. It retails for $59.99 and includes the jumpsuit. You can purchase the wig and green face makeup separately.
11. Buzz Lightyear Toy Story Costume
The perfect Out of Space costume for the toddler or very small Preppy – this costume comes in sizes 3 – 5 and is a long-sleeved tutu dress with vinyl panels on the chest and a printed waist belt. There is also a purple snood with padded ears for comfort and a velcro fastener. To infinity and beyond!
12. Retro Robot (Unisex)
Your toddler or kindy kid can be a retro robot for Book Week 2021. Featuring a silver jumpsuit with an attached silver tabard styled with robotic notches and gears. Comes with a matching silver headpiece.
13. Star Wars Jedi Knight Costume
If your child is a fan of Star Wars, this Jedi Knight Costume is perfect for Book Weel 2021. Featuring a hooded robe, a belt, light sabre and Jedi braid, the force will be strong with this costume!
14. Baby Yoda Costume (Unisex)
Look cute, you will. In this adorbs Star Wars Baby Yoda Unisex Costume from Costume Box. Comes in toddler and small sizing (perfect for your Kindy kid) and retails for $41.99. Costume Box has some fantastic Book Week Costumes to consider!
15. Disney Toy Story Alien Costume (Unisex)
Go to Book Week Day at your school or kindy as the Disney Toy Story Alien! Costume includes a shirt, mask and gloves – perfect if you have twins or triplets too or a space-themed birthday party. Another of the great Book Week Costume Ideas for 2021.
16. Stormtrooper Costume (Unisex)
Another great ‘Outta this world’ for Book Week Costume Ideas. Go as the Star Wars Stormtrooper. Comes in sizes small and medium and includes a printed jumpsuit and injection mould mask. Get 15% off using the code EARLYBIRD15.
17. Star Wars X-Wing Fighter Pilot
Pilot your spaceship just like Luke Skywalker in this Star Wars X-Wing Fighter Pilot Costume from Costumes.com.au. A premium costume that includes the jumpsuit, helmet, tunic and chest box – an official Star Wars licensed product. Retails for $96.95.
18. Jet Pack Inflatable Costume
Take off to the stars with this Jet Pack Inflatable Costume! One size fits most kids and with a few batteries, the backpack will inflate. Retails for $94.95.
19. Star Wars Queen Amidala Costume
Be a Queen, a Star Wars Queen with this Star Wars Queen Amidala Costume. Includes the dress and the headpiece – just do the makeup at home! This is an officially licensed Star Wars Costume and retails for $54.95 (Usually $107.95).
New World Costume Ideas for 2021
1. The Gruffalo Jumpsuit with Hood
- Available in two sizes, 3-5 and 6-8.
- Unisex Costume
- Grab it for $54.99
Be ‘Other-Worldly’ in the most adorable monster in this Gruffalo Jumpsuit, inspired by the book ‘The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. Perfect for boys or girls – the roomy sizes mean you might even get two Bookweek years in! Retails for $54.99
2. The Elusive Unicorn!
- Available in sizes small, medium and large
- Perfect for Little Girls
- Other Worldly for Book Week
- Retails for $33.99
What little girl won’t kill to have this gorgeous little unicorn costume – complete with wig and horn! It is out of this world!
3. Ride to School on a Unicorn
- Available in sizes to suit up to a 6-year-old
- Outer Worldly – Suitable for Book Week
- To suit girls
- Retails for $74.99
Another variation of the Unicorn theme, and totally ‘out of this world’ – let your little one ride their way to Bookweek stardom!
4. Where the Wild Things Are Costume
- Unisex Costume
- Available in sizes XS, Small, Medium, Large and Extra-Large
- Suits the Book Week Theme ‘Out of this World’
- Retails for $54.99
Straight out of the book ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ this white full-length suit is perfect for boys or girls and has a plush brown tail attached to the back. Perfect for Book Week – and you may get more than a year out of it!
5. Tinkerbell is From Another World
- Perfect for little girls for Book Week 2021
- Available in sizes 4 – 6
- Retails for $59.99
Everyone loves the story of Peter Pan, but it is Tinkerbell who really steals the show.
6. The Cheshire Cat
- Suits the Theme ‘Other Worlds’ for Bookweek
- Perfect for Little Girls
- Comes in Sizes XXS through to L
Get your ‘Alice in Wonderland’ on with this adorable Chesire Cat Cozy Child Costume from Costumes.com.au. Costumes.com.au have some wonderful Book Week Costumes for this year!
7. Alice in Wonderland White Rabbit
- Perfect for either boys or girls
- Suitable for Book Week ‘Another World”
- Retails for $58.95
I’m Late, I’m Late, for a very important date! If your child loves Alice in Wonderland then this is the perfect costume for either boys or girls this Book Week 2021.
8. Harry Potter Hedwig the Owl
- Suitable for ages 7 and under
- Unisex costume
- ‘Another World’ Book Week Theme
I still read the Harry Potter books – it’s so good to get lost in the world of magic! This costume would be perfect for under age 7.
9. Duluxe Tigger Costume
- Unisex Costume
- Best for ages up to 7 years
- Retails for $137.95
- ‘Other World’ Book Week
Winnie the Pooh is timeless, and good ole Tigger is so ADHD, but you know what I say about ADHD? It gets shit done as an adult – it’s a good thing! But this adorable Book Week costume for the little ones is easy because it fits like a jumpsuit and is nice and warm.
10. Winnie the Pooh
A plush velvet style vest with a hood attached – no pants or long sleeves. Perfect for the ASD child!
11. Eeyore
Poor depressed Eeyore – still a cutie and one of the nifty Book Week Costume Ideas for Book Week 2021. A great idea for the ASD child if they can stand to have a hood. Just fits straight over their own clothing.
12. Roald Dahl Veruca Salt Costume
If your child is a fan of Willy Wonker and the Chocolate Factory, why not consider going to Book Week 2021 at Veruca Salt – which is also a fantastic rock band.
13. Scarecrow from Wizard of Oz
Scarecrow does have a brain – and this is a pretty damn authentic-looking child’s costume for Book Week 2021. The costume includes a shirt, pants with attached boot tops, a headpiece, belt and diploma! It is also only priced at $36.99 so is an economical option.
14. Harry Potter Gryffindor Robe
A nice and easy costume that just goes over your child’s ordinary clothing and is Unisex (so you could possibly get a few years out of Book Week there!). Comes in two sizes, 6-8 and 9-12. This is a good one for the budget too at only $29.99.
15. Peter Rabbit Costume
Peter Rabbit has been a family favourite for decades, and now you can go to Book Week 2021 as the world’s famous Rabbit. The costume is a jumpsuit with a hood and separate jacket. Comes in small, medium and large.
16. Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit
Go to Book Week 2021 as your favourite character from The Hobbit. Use the code EARLYBIRD15 to get 15% off.
17. Gandalf from Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings has to be one of the best selling books ever – so going as a character for the 2021 Book Book will be epic. This costume includes a robe, hat and a belt – but you can grab the wig and beard separately.
18. Wizard
Go to Book Week 2021 dressed as a Wizard! This adorable costume includes a robe, hat and wand and is budget-priced at $24.95.
You can go to Book Week as Leonardo – by far the best Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle of them all. The officially licensed product comes with a jumpsuit, a belt, sash, mask and shell. Turtle Power!
Best Book Week Costume Ideas for Girls
1. The Little Mermaid Costume
An Ultra Prestige Dress that is officially licensed by Disney, it is just a darling costume! Retails for $94.95.
2. Cinderella
This is an adult’s costume – buy hey – Teachers need Book Week Costumes too! A deluxe adult Disney Officially Licensed Costume, the blue dress comes with a slim bodice, a shirred neckline and a full beneath-the-knee skirt. Doesn’t include the glass slippers! Retails for $63.95.
3. Belle from Beauty and the Beast Costume
An officially licensed Disney Costume, be the bell of the ball with this delicious Belle costume from Beauty and the Beast. The lovely yellow dress is full with a knee-length skirt, tulip-shaped peplum fitted bodice with patterned inset, gold trim, an elastic waist, a sheer shoulder drape and a ribbon hem. Comes in sizes 4- 6, or 7-8. Retails for $71.95.
4. Tangled Rapunzel Costume
An officially licensed Disney Costume, now your little girl can go to Book Week 2021 as her very favourite princess. Retails for $96.95.
5. Snow White Costume
An Official Licensed Disney Costume – a cute little Snow White Costume for Toddler Girls – comes in sizes 3 – 4. Retails for $66.95.
6. Frozen Anna Costume
An officially licensed Disney Costume, all little girls love Frozen and now they can go to Book Week dressed as Frozen’s Anna – the Coronation Deluxe Costume. Retails for $84.95 and comes in sizes 7 – 8.
7. Moana Costume
Moana is one of my absolute all-time favourite Disney Movies and now your little girl can attend Bookweek 2021 as little Moana with this Officially Licensed Disney Costume. The costume doesn’t include the wig – but it can be purchased separately.
8. Veruca Salt
Go as one of the favourite characters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Veruca Salt is sassy and spoiled – and now your little girl can be (for the day) too!
9. Tinkerbell from Peter Pan
- Perfect for little girls for Book Week 2021
- Available in sizes 4 – 6
- Retails for $59.99
Everyone loves the story of Peter Pan, now you can go as the amazing Green Fairy – Tinkerbell! Available in sizes 4-6 – this costume retails for $59.99.
10. Unicorn Tutu Girls Costume
Your little girl will look absolutely adorable in this cute Unicorn Tutu Girls Costume from Costume Box. Comes in three sizes (small, medium and large) and is budget-minded at just $33.99.
11. My Little Pony Twilight Sparkle Deluxe Costume
A deluxe costume, this adorable dress comes with detachable wings and a headband. Retails for $102.99
ASD Friendly Costume Ideas for Book Week
1. Toga Costume
- Available in sizes Small, Medium, Large and Extra-Large
- Fits the ‘Old World’ Book Week Theme
- Unisex Costume
- Retails for $33.99
A basic and easy costume that is suitable for boys and girls and everyone else in between! The simplicity of this costume makes it a good option for ASD kids – perhaps leave off the leaf headpiece. The costume comes as a tunic with two shawls, a trim belt and the leaf headpiece. Sandles are not included.
2. Nasa Jumpsuit (Unisex)
This Nasa Jumpsuit is a great option for the ASD child – it is a simple jumpsuit that can be fitted over a t-shirt and shorts – and if they want to take it off – it’s easy to get out of. Plus it is Unisex which is always great to be able to hand down to other children later on!
4. Royal Child Costume
Go forth and rule over the School Kingdom as a King! This costume is nice and ASD friendly as it is a cape with a crown – not clingy and no fussy sleeves to worry about. Book Week Costumes for ASD Kids need to be simple and easy to remove.
5. Harry Potter Deluxe Gryffindor Costume
My ASD child adores Harry Potter – so he chooses this as one of his favourite costumes that he would wear to Book Week. Fits straight over normal clothing and is non-cling and a bit nerdy – perfect!
8. Jasmine from Aladdin
https://www.costumes.com.au/aladdin-live-action-jasmine-teal-deluxe-child-costume.html
9. Belle from Beauty and the Beast
Make your little girl a real Disney Princess for a day with this gorgeous Belle Costume from Beauty and the Beast.
What did your child dress up as for book week last year?
Book Week Costumes 2021
