6 Bookish Costume Ideas for School Character Day!

Ladybug Girl, by David Soman
Your young reader can be just like David Soman’s adorable protagonist Lulu and put on their own ladybug costume (a red sweatshirt with black spots and some red boots should do the trick) and then transform into a Ladybug Girl superhero! In this get-up they can have their own Ladybug Girl backyard adventures (adorable dog sidekick not required)!

Where’s Waldo, by Martin Hanford
This iconic costume is super simple: a red and white striped sweater, matching cap, and oversized pair of glasses. Bring the book to life by trying to blend in with your surroundings (not recommended during class time!). Chances are, you’ll be sure to spot your little Waldo in the crowd.

Fancy Nancy, by Jane O’Connor
I think that Fancy Nancy would definitely approve of playing dress up for character day! Who wouldn’t want an excuse to toss on a pink feathered boa, a tiara, and a pair of pink sunglasses (coupled with a whole lot of sass). And if you only have a feather duster instead of a feather boa, all the more authentic! As Nancy knows, it’s all in the way you choose to see the world, darling.

Junie B. Jones is Captain Field Day (Junie B. Jones Series #16) By Barbara Park
Our spunky heroine, Junie B. Jones, goes through many memorable looks over the course of this best-selling series that would all make fabulous costumes (from Graduation Girl, to professional Lunch Lady) . But I think Captain Field Day, where Junie B. Jones gets to lead her class (hopefully) to field day victory is the most fun. This way your young reader will get to dress like a superhero, too! A white leotard, red cape, and red headband with a yellow star attached to it will do the trick!

Peril at the Top of the World (Treasure Hunters Series #4), by James Patterson
If you haven’t checked out the latest edition of the fast-paced and funny Treasure Hunters series yet, then Character Day is the perfect motivation. The Kidds head to Russia to find some missing priceless works of art, and while you may not be able to follow them across the globe, you can still dress the part! If you want to look like Beck Kidd you’ve go to carry a sketchbook, put on a pair of 3-D glasses, and lace up your steel toe boots. A yellow shirt, orange vest, striped skirt, and bandana tied around your neck completes the look. (And don’t forget your change purse for bartering currency.) Bonus points if you carry a knapsack filled with aquamarine nail polish, sea shells, pens and pencils!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potter Series #1) By J.K. Rowling
Put on some round wire-rimmed glasses, a tie, and draw a lightning bolt on your forehead and with the help of your magic wand you’ll magically transform into Harry Potter! Or if you prefer, a similar outfit, minus the glasses, will result in a Hermione makeover. (Frizzy hair is actually a good thing in this case!) As if you needed another excuse to reread this modern classic.