With the fall season coming and Halloween around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of creative costumes for you and your little ones. Book-inspired Halloween costumes are a great way to express your love for reading and meet others who like the same books or genres as you! You can choose something others will know and love, or bring your own personal favorite characters to life with a DIY costume! From last-minute costume ideas to adorable sibling costumes and more, we are sure you’ll find one to fit your fancy in this recommendations list!
1. Katniss Everdeen
This 3-book series as well as the movies got many kids and adults excited about this special “Girl On Fire”! Now this homemade costume can be worn by a child or an adult for Halloween fun!
Learn More: Simple As That Blog
2. Captain Underpants
Before all the recent graphic novels series came onto the scene, Captain Underpants was the series for young boys to binge read! This handmade costume is easy to throw together and is sure to get your kiddos some giggles and candy!
Learn More: The Mom Creative
3. Alice in Wonderland (Group)
Halloween is a family affair anyways right? Why not coordinate your costumes together? There are so many clever costumes to choose from based on these outrageous book characters.
Learn More: The Mom Creative
4. Hedwig (Harry Potter)
For those that haven’t read the series, Hedwig is Harry Potter’s owl. This darling costume is sure to make your little bird the talk of the town!
Learn More: Make Life Lovely
5. Big Friendly Giant (BFG)
Here is another kid-friendly costume DIY version you can learn to make. This classic children’s book character has big ears and a big heart to match!
Learn More: Desert Chica
6. Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House on the Prairie)
You don’t need to buy a store-bought or fancy dress to look like a pioneer girl. This link has a kid-friendly costume tutorial to help your kids and you put together this sweet, classic costume.
Learn More: Scattered Thoughts Of A Crafty Mom
7. Fantastic Mr. Fox
Is your trick or treater clever like a fox? Piece together this DIY furry outfit with a few templates, some white clothes, and a tail that won’t quit!
Learn More: Handmade Charlotte
8. Nancy Drew
Here is a unique take on the classic Nancy Drew costume from the beloved children’s series. Nancy is truly coming to life in this actual book costume with lots of creativity!
Learn More: Pinterest
9. Fancy Nancy
For the little mystery-solving fashionistas in your life, Fancy Nancy is the costume for you! Because her outfits are so whimsical, colorful, and full of texture, you can get super creative with assemblage.
Learn More: Pinterest
10. Pete the Cat
With a few modifications to a raincoat and sweater with ears, this costume comes together in a flash! This can be a last-minute Halloween costume for your little cat lover to snatch up all the sweets and snuggles.
Learn More: Harper Collins Childrens
11. Where the Wild Things Are (Group)
Choose one, or make this a clever group costume your children and their friends can coordinate together. From little Max the king to Stripey and Duck Feet, find the character that fits your little monster the best!
Learn More: The Kimball Herd
12. Strega Nona
This classic folklore tale has become cherished by young readers for years. Strega Nona’s old witch clothes can be replicated by some natural-colored fabrics and a white head wrap.
Learn More: Pinterest
13. The Day the Crayons Quit
This colorfully illustrated kids’ book has plenty of opportunities for costume creativity. You can buy matching color top and bottom sets and decorate them with felt and a pointed hat for a cool crayon look.
Learn More: The House That Lars Built
14. Chronicles of Narnia (Group)
This is another adventure series kids have fallen for over the years with multiple characters to dress up as. To create these vintage costumes, check out a second-hand shop for some pieces you can use and combine to create this book’s unique style.
Learn More: Sew Pleasing
15. Hermione Granger
Looking through ideas online, there are a few different ways you can put together a book-inspired costume for Hermione. This one can be assembled using a grey skirt, white shirt, red tie, black tights, and a black robe.
Learn More: Pinterest
16. Goodnight Moon
Ready for bedtime? First, we got to go get some candy! Here is an adorable costume idea for little ones inspired by this classic bedtime story.
Learn More: Telafante
17. Where’s Waldo
From the big black glasses to his red knit cap, this legendary character has been spotted almost every Halloween for years!
Learn More: Repeat Crafter Me
18. Rosie the Revere
Now here is a true girl-power costume that will get your little girls excited to pursue their passions and reach for the stars! Inspired by the amazing female engineer and her friends in this beloved book.
Learn More: Made By Toya
19. Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo has been an influential figure for many, and now there is a kid’s book to inspire Halloween costumes that will captivate you with cuteness!
Learn More: Pinterest
20. Splat the Cat
Another purrrrrfect costume idea for your little book and cat lover to pounce on! You can follow the link to see how to DIY this cute outfit and snatch all the tasty treats!
Learn More: Do It Yourself Divas
21. Thing 1 and Thing 2
Dr. Suess knows how to create the whackiest characters that make amazing Halloween costumes! This classic double trouble duo is a fun sibling costume you can put together!
Learn More: Pigskins And Pigtails
22. Little Red Riding Hood
I can’t get over how adorable this costume couple is! Little Red can be created using a simple dress and red cape, and the dog grandma is a hilarious bonus!
Learn More: Today
23. Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family)
Time to get spooky and serious with this all-black ensemble. Have a long collared shirt underneath the black dress, black tights, and braids for the full outfit.
Learn More: Munchkins Planet
24. Batman and Robin
A classic crime-fighting duo from the comic books we all know and love. Batman can be made using all-black clothes with some DIY yellow accents and a mask, while Robin may take a little more creativity. Use the link for ideas!
Learn More: Clarks Condensed
25. Hungry Caterpillar
This beloved book character costume is perfect for you and your little tree-hugging baby. Create the look of vines and leaves and either has your baby be in a cocoon or in a little caterpillar onesie!
Learn More: DIY Danielle
26. Arthur
This costume is great for your elementary schooler to feel comfy and cute! Can be for boys or girls, and doesn’t need much preparation. Most you can create with clothes in your closet, and you can DIY some felt ears!
Learn More: Costume Works
27. Olivia the Pig
This ballet dancing pig has got all the little girls and boys movin’ and groovin’! You can create this costume using red tights, a tutu, and a red shirt. Follow this tutorial on how to make your own pig ears and nose!
Learn More: Andrea’s Notebook
28. Paddington Bear
This sweet bear is all dressed up and ready to get some candy! You can put together this look for your little one with a few simple clothing items.
Learn More: Primary
29. Amelia Bedelia
Does your trick or treater want to look prim and proper? Maybe he/she likes to tidy up before they have their fun. This housekeeper’s costume needs a white apron and some black and white clothing items.
Learn More: The Chirping Moms
30. Pinkalicious
Your pink princess will be over the moon for this cute and easy-to-create costume using pink clothes you have around your house and a gold wand.
Learn More: PBS
31. Chika Chika Boom Boom
Not only is this book fun and colorful, but it also teaches kids the alphabet! You can create an alphabet tree using felt letters and a coconut leave felt headband or hat.
Learn More: Craftilifia
32. The Hugging Tree
For this fun costume, your child can be the tree, hug the tree, and be hugged by the tree! Such a sweet book with a lovely message your kids can grow with.
Learn More: Pinterest
33. Elephant and Piggie
This dynamic duo has an entire series kids get hooked on to improve their reading skills. You can create a cute sibling or friend costume or wear it as a teacher to get your kids excited about learning and Halloween!
Learn More: Brite And Bubbly
34. The Grouchy Lady Bug
Just because this book character is upset, doesn’t mean your little bug will be! You can DIY this ladybug costume with red clothes, hot glue, and black pom poms.
Learn More: Kids Soup
35. Willy Wonka (Oompa Loompa)
What’s a little munchkin to do when they are out looking for candy? A few simple changes to a tutu, some green hair spray, and you’re set! You can use some golden-toned lotion (or turmeric) to make their skin a little orange.
Learn More: Girl Loves Glam
36. Mickey Mouse
This iconic character has a rich history and many adoring fans. Re-create this costume using a black shirt and red shorts. You can glue buttons on the shorts and DIY or buy some ears!
Learn More: Pinterest
37. 1 Fish 2 Fish
Dr. Suess has so many charming rhyming books that we could have a whole list of his characters! Your little swimmers can help you cut and tape the fish on their outfit.
Learn More: Homemade For Elle
38. Matilda
From the red ribbon to the blue dress and fishy, this Matilda costume is so easy to put together while still holding on to the feeling of the character.
Learn More: Pinterest
39. Little Miss Sunshine
Are you ready for a craft project? Pick up some sturdy paper from the supply store and cut it into a circle to make the smiley face. Use yarn for the hair and red ribbons in your little trick or treater’s hair.
Learn More: Craftilifia
40. Queen of Hearts
Sometimes bad characters are fun to dress up as too! Alice in Wonderland has so many whacky characters to choose from, but this queen has such good taste we can’t deny it!
Learn More: Pinterest
41. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Now this book made a big impact on many readers and has prompted many follow-up series. The costume couldn’t get much easier, print out the face from the cover and wear a white t-shirt.
Learn More: Expat Woman
42. Viola Swamp
Miss Nelson is missing and Viola Swamp is the tough teacher your kids love to hate! Dress up like this scary character with a black dress, striped tights, and black lips.
43. Mary Poppins
Now there are plenty of approaches you can use to create this heartwarming character. Go to your local second-hand store and find a dress shirt and skirt, or use this link to see how to make your own!
Learn More: Saroy
44. 101 Dalmatian
How cute is this face paint! Your crazy puppies will be running around hopped up on sugar all night.
Learn More: Huckle Berry Life
45. The Rainbow Fish
Another crafty idea for you! The rainbow fish is known for its beautiful colors and sparkles, so you’ll need a variety of fabric swatches you can cut and glue on your outfit to bring this book character to life!
Learn More: Pinterest
46. Lord of the Rings (Frodo Baggins)
We can’t get enough of this cuteness! Whether your kids are making the trek to Mordor, or to the house next door, dress them up like a hobbit and get walking.
Learn More: Pinterest
47. Pippi Longstocking
The hardest part of this costume might just be the hair! You can use some clothing hanger wire in the braids to give them structure.
Learn More: Positively Splendid
48. Winnie the Pooh
This was my favorite book series growing up to read and look at the beautiful illustrations. You can dress your whole family up like the gang with this DIY tutorial!
Learn More: Live Free Creative
49. Peter Pan
Here is a link for how to DIY a complete Peter Pan costume at home. It is not as hard as it may seem since the whole outfit uses the same green fabric. Try it out!
Learn More: A Beautiful Mess
50. Curious George
Our curious cuties can relate to this character and his yellow-hatted companion. We just adore a little tike in a bow tie!
Learn More: Covet By Tricia
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