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Everyone has that one book they love from their childhood — and Halloween is the perfect chance to live inside the exciting world of one of your favorite storybook characters. Whether you're a teacher looking to dress up in a clever group costume with your co-workers or you're the parent of a boy or girl who adores reading, there are so many creative ways to bring your favorite book characters to life.
From classic children's titles like The Hungry Caterpillar to young adult novels like Harry Potter, there's a perfect storybook character costume for every bibliophile out there — and lots of great ideas for costumes for the whole family on Halloween, too. Plus there's good news for those that waited until the eleventh hour and are in need of a last-minute costume idea: These storybook costume ideas for toddlers, kids, teens and adults are super easy to pull together — most can be pieced together in a DIY fashion using items from your closet and basic materials you can order on Amazon.
So if you're ready to show up at your next Halloween party, parade or school fair representing the wonderful world of literature and show off your book smarts at the same time, check out this list of the best character getups, and get ready to take home the award for "Best Costume" (the Halloween equivalent of a Pulitzer).
'Pippi Longstocking' by Astrid Lindgren
Dress up as everybody's favorite kooky redhead in a pigtailed-wig and patchwork dress.
'Alice in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll
Head down the rabbit hole — just make sure you're not late for any important dates! This costume is easy to put together with a few strategic Amazon purchases.
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Fun Costumes 'The Magic School Bus' by Joanna Cole
Fun Costumes 'The Magic School Bus' by Joanna Cole
Prove that science is fun by getting into character as Miss Frizzle.
'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins
The odds will be ever in your favor on Halloween in this costume — all you need is a toy bow and arrow to complete the all-black ensemble.
'The Rainbow Fish' by Marcus Pfister
Felt fish "scales" and a colorful tulle skirt will turn you into the beloved Rainbow Fish.
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'Madeline' by Ludwig Bemelmans
This is a pretty easy costume to DIY if you waited until the last minute.
'Alice in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll
Pair a DIY collar with a red dress for an easy Alice in Wonderland-inspired costume. To make the Queen of Hearts collar from playing cards, wrap a large piece of paper around your neck so you can trim it down to the right size. Then, staple cards from a deck all around, layering them for a fanned-out effect.
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BooBahBlue 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak
BooBahBlue 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak
The costume is so cute, it'll make you say, "I'll eat you up, I love you so!" Guaranteed to cause a wild rumpus.
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'Nancy Drew' by Carolyn Keene
It's no mystery that dressing up like teen sleuth Nancy Drew is super easy — you probably already have everything you need in your closet.
'Harry Potter' Series by J.K. Rowling
If you've got an Amazon Prime account, then go-ahead and check "put together last-minute costume" off your list.
'Goodnight Moon' by Margaret Wise Brown
"In the great green room, there was..." Well, whatever you can fit on your clothes. DIY-ers, here's your chance to get crafty!
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'Mary Poppins' by P.L. Travers
Don't worry if you waited until the last minute: Everything you need to recreate these Mary Poppins and Bert looks is available on Amazon.
Laced With Love 'The 101 Dalmatians' by Dodie Smith
Laced With Love 'The 101 Dalmatians' by Dodie Smith
Cruella deVil remains one of the all-time great Disney villains. To complete this look, don't forget to add the Dalmatian — real or fake!
ClothierShop 'The Grinch Who Stole Christmas' by Dr. Suess
ClothierShop 'The Grinch Who Stole Christmas' by Dr. Suess
Christmas in October? A read cape and a lot of hairspray, and you'll be ready to sing "Fah Who Doraze" all night long.
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'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' by Roald Dahl
To pull off the Violet Beauregarde-as-a-blueberry look, it helps to be pregnant, but you can also opt for this giant blueberry costume on Amazon.
'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle
This awesome DIY Halloween costume is made entirely out of construction paper — so grab some scissors and get to cutting.
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With you dressed as Miss Trunchbull and your daughter dressed as Matilda, and you'll be an unstoppable literary duo this Halloween.
'Eloise' by Kay Thompson
This cute Eloise Halloween costume totally works without Weenie — or you could carry around a plush dog.
From:
Lauren Matthews
Group Digital Content Director
Lauren (she/her) is the digital content director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group, where she oversees online content and strategy for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and other Hearst titles, including SEO, video, social media and e-commerce efforts. She has almost 20 years of experience writing and editing beauty, lifestyle, home, health, entertainment and product review content. She graduated from NYU with a degree in journalism and history.
