Book Week 2026 runs from Saturday 22 to Friday 28 August, and this year's theme is Symphony of Stories. Most schools hold their costume parade on the Thursday or Friday of that week, so it pays to have an outfit sorted by mid August. The easiest costumes are recognisable book characters your child already loves, from Where's Wally? and a Hogwarts student to Robin Hood or a Roald Dahl favourite. Below are 20 easy Book Week costume ideas you can buy today, sorted by how quickly you can pull them together, all with fast Australia wide delivery.
In this article
- When is Book Week 2026 in Australia?
- How do I choose an easy Book Week costume?
- 20 easy Book Week costume ideas for 2026
- Book Week costumes for teachers and parents
- Last-minute Book Week costume ideas
- Where to buy Book Week costumes in Australia
- Frequently asked questions
When is Book Week 2026 in Australia?
Book Week 2026 is held from Saturday 22 August to Friday 28 August 2026. It is run each year by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA), and the 2026 theme is Symphony of Stories, illustrated by award-winning author-illustrator Briony Stewart. It is a milestone year too, marking 80 years of the CBCA Book of the Year Awards.
Most schools hold their costume parade on the Thursday or Friday of Book Week, but some pick a different day, so check your school newsletter for the exact date. To avoid the last-minute rush (and the risk of your child's favourite character selling out), aim to order by early-to-mid August.
How do I choose an easy Book Week costume?
The trick to a great Book Week costume is a character that is instantly recognisable from a simple silhouette. Red and white stripes with a bobble beanie reads as Where's Wally? from across the playground. Round glasses and a house scarf says Hogwarts student. Start with a book your child already knows and loves, then keep these things in mind:
- Comfort first. Your child wears it all day, so choose something they can sit, play and eat lunch in.
- Layer over their own clothes where you can, so a jumper or leggings does half the work.
- Think about the parade. Bold colours and a clear prop (a wand, a magnifying glass, a basket) photograph well and help teachers spot the character.
- Consider a group or class theme. A whole class of Wallys, or a family of Roald Dahl characters, is always a hit.
| Effort level | Time to sort | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant kit | 5 minutes | Last-minute mornings | Where's Wally? Instant Kit |
| Accessory plus own clothes | 15 minutes | Busy families on a budget | Wizard glasses and a house scarf |
| Full costume | Order ahead | The parade star | Robin Hood, Matilda, a princess |
20 easy Book Week costume ideas for 2026
Here are 20 crowd-pleasing ideas, grouped by the kind of story they come from. Every one is a recognisable book character, and you can shop the full range in our Book Week Costumes collection.
Classic storybook heroes
These are the timeless picks that never look out of place at a parade: Where's Wally?, Robin Hood, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks. Where's Wally? is one of the easiest of all, since the striped top, beanie and glasses do all the work.
The classic striped top, bobble beanie and glasses. Instantly recognisable and comfy enough for a full school day.
Magic and fantasy
Wizards and witches are always a Book Week favourite. A Hogwarts student is one of the simplest to assemble, and you can build it up with a robe, a house scarf, glasses and a wand. Browse the full Harry Potter Book Week range for the finishing touches.
Pull a Hogwarts look together in minutes. Add glasses, a scarf and a wand for the full effect.
Roald Dahl characters
Roald Dahl is Book Week royalty. Think Matilda, Charlie Bucket, the mighty Miss Trunchbull or Sophie from The BFG. See the Matilda and Roald Dahl range for the whole cast.
Fairytale favourites
Fairytales are an easy win for younger children: Cinderella, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, a brave knight or a classic princess. Robin Hood is a great pick for kids who want a hero with a bit of adventure.
A storybook classic with a clear silhouette. Great for kids who want a hero costume they can run around in.
Villains and bad guys
Every good story needs a villain. The Big Bad Wolf, a wicked witch or a classic book baddie makes for a memorable parade entrance. Browse the Bad Guys Book Week picks for inspiration.
Book Week costumes for teachers and parents
Book Week is not just for the kids. Teachers and parents love joining in, and the same recognisable characters work for grown-ups. A Where's Wally? instant kit is the quickest adult option going, and there is plenty more in our Women's and Men's Book Week ranges.
The five-minute teacher costume. Throw it on over your own clothes and you are parade-ready.
Last-minute Book Week costume ideas
Left it late? You are not alone. The fastest options are instant kits and accessory-led looks that go straight over your child's own clothes. A striped top for Wally, round glasses and a scarf for a young wizard, or a red cape for Little Red Riding Hood will all come together in minutes. Our Simple Book Week Costumes collection is built exactly for this, and for a whole-class theme see the Group Book Week ideas.
Where to buy Book Week costumes in Australia
Jokers Costume Mega Store is one of Australia's largest costume retailers, with thousands of Book Week costumes in stock. You can shop online with fast Australia-wide delivery, or visit us in person at our Rocklea store in Brisbane or our Southport store on the Gold Coast. Everything is yours to keep and re-wear (we sell costumes, we do not hire them), and our Price Beat Guarantee means you can shop with confidence. Start with the full Book Week Costumes range, or jump straight to Boys and Girls costumes.
Frequently asked questions
When is Book Week 2026?
Book Week 2026 runs from Saturday 22 August to Friday 28 August 2026 across Australia. Most school parades are held on the Thursday or Friday, but check your school newsletter for the exact day.
What is the 2026 Book Week theme?
The 2026 theme is Symphony of Stories, with artwork by award-winning illustrator Briony Stewart. It celebrates the many different stories that come together to spark imagination.
What are the easiest last-minute Book Week costumes?
Instant kits and accessory-led looks are quickest. Where's Wally? is the easiest of all, and a young wizard needs little more than round glasses, a scarf and a wand over everyday clothes.
What should teachers wear for Book Week?
Teachers can wear the same recognisable book characters as students. A Where's Wally? instant kit is the fastest adult option, and there are plenty of choices in our Men's and Women's Book Week ranges.
Do you deliver Book Week costumes across Australia?
Yes. We ship Australia-wide, and you can also shop in person at our Brisbane (Rocklea) and Gold Coast (Southport) stores. Order early in August to beat the Book Week rush.
Get parade-ready for Book Week 2026
Thousands of book character costumes in stock, with fast Australia-wide delivery.
Shop Book Week costumes →Backed by our Price Beat and Delivery Guarantees. Shop online or in store in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.
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