World Book Day is coming up on Thursday 3rd March 2022

I never really understood the importance of World Book Day when my children were little. It seemed like just another thing that parents had to endure (usually starting with the night before... "Mummy, remember it's World Book Day tomorrow, what costume am I wearing?!" However with a little research, nearly 400,000 children in the UK don't own a book of their own. Having always been lucky enough to have a bookshelf of books and reading to my children every night that's a figure that seems really hard to imagine. World Book day helps fund books for children that aren't this fortunate and hopes to encourage life long habits of reading for pleasure amongst children from all backgrounds. When you put it like that the hassle of coming up with a costume and donating £1 doesn't seem so bad!

Okay so on to some ideas!

Firstly, don't beat yourself up if you don't have time to 'make' the costume. You'll find plenty of companies online (and local fancy dress shops/supermarkets etc) that have ready made outfits to suit all ages. To avoid the 'I don't want to wear it' conversation on Thursday morning, start scrolling with your child to get their input on what to choose!

 

Recycle old costumes

Don't forget to check your children's dressing up box too, perhaps you already have a costume that might still fit them, or could do with a little alterations (I'm thinking pair of scissors to cut the too short trousers into shorts, nothing to complicated!).

There's usually a Pirate Costume in there somewhere, with books that could relate; Pirates Love Underpants, The Pirate Cruncher, Pirates Go To School to name just a few!

Perhaps recycle an old Halloween outfit and your child could come as a character from Witches and Witches, Beast Quest, The Worst Witch, Room on the Broom or Roald Dahl's The Witches.

You might be lucky and find a superhero cape that could be converted from Batman or Superman into Puss in Boots or Red Riding Hood.

Some easy home made ideas

Gansta Granny - bandit eye mask (or black face paint) granny style cardigan or jumper a fake pearl necklace and skirt with 'too big' tights to look baggy round the ankles!

Fairy/ballerina - an existing ballet leotard and tights would be perfect for books such as; Nina Fairy Ballerina, Angelina Ballerina, Magic Ballerina or the Flower Fairy.

Burglar Bill (my kids loved this book when they were little!) - white and black stripy t-shirt, black trousers (could even use school trousers) and a black eye mask (or face paint). Optional sack for loot!

Paddington Bear - blue coat, red hat and red socks (or wellies). Optional suitcase and marmalade sandwiches for lunch!

Mr Bump - a simple blue t-shirt and trousers (jeans) and a couple of bandages wrapped (carefully!) round your child... not so long that they end up strangling themselves!

Tracy Beaker - a red stripe top and trousers/dungarees, messy hair.

Billionaire Boy - grey trousers and a white t-shirt with a load of fake money (Monopoly money or you can download some fake notes and print them at home).

Or, just stick with home clothes

As well as being lots of parents' idea of hell, World Book Day isn't for all children either. I know lots of children hate wearing face paint or wearing clothes that aren't their normal every day clothes. There are loads of books where the main character is just a 'normally dressed' boy or girl. You might just need a prop or bring a copy of the book with you to help identify your costume. For example Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs (red jumper, blue jeans and a bucket full of plastic dinosaurs) or Matilda (blue dress, red ribbon in her hair and carrying a few library books).

 

I hope that has given you some inspiration! If you've got any ideas you'd like to share, please comment below!