Book Week is an ideal time to showcase your creativity with amazing teacher book week costumes. From dressing up as a beloved character to creating something completely original, the possibilities are endless. For the teachers out there who need a little extra help, we’ve compiled a list of amazing and creative costume ideas that are sure to be a hit with your students. From classic characters like Harry Potter and The Cat in the Hat to more modern favorites like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Hunger Games, there’s something for everyone. We’ve also included a few tips and tricks to make your costumes stand out from the crowd. So let’s start!
Book Week’s 2023 theme is “Read, Grow, Inspire”
“Read, Grow, Inspire” perfectly captures the essence of education this year. The CBCA mission is to encourage readers to become lifelong readers, to foster personal growth, and to inspire young minds. We’ll explore some fantastic easy teacher book week costumes that align with this theme and are sure to wow your students and colleagues.
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Where is the Green Sheep?
Let’s begin with a classic! Mem Fox’s delightful tale, “Where Is the Green Sheep?” offers a fantastic opportunity for teachers to dress up as lovable and colorful sheep. Prepare yourself for a whimsical world of sheep-hunting adventures by dressing in a fluffy sheep costume with green accents. It is also possible to create the illusion with cotton wool attached to your body dyed green. You can also make your own sheep mask with cardboard and paint, or find one online. Don’t forget to add the signature green scarf to your costume for the full effect. Have fun!
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Giraffes Can Dance
You can bring the grace and rhythm of Gerald the Giraffe to life, with Giles Andreae’s “Giraffes Can Dance.” Slip into a giraffe onesie or wear an outfit with a giraffe print, then showcase your moves on the dance floor. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your students swaying and grooving to their own unique beats as they go along! Have your students create their own dance moves based on Gerald’s grace and creativity. Finally, take a bow and enjoy your students’ excitement as they proudly show off their moves.
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Fantastic Mr Fox
There is no doubt that Roald Dahl’s notoriously mischievous and cunning character, Fantastic Mr. Fox, is a timeless choice for book week. The perfect way to transform into this sly fox is to wear a burgundy coat, a fox mask, and a tail to create the perfect look. Inspire your students to embrace their cleverness and quick thinking in the same way Mr. Fox did and remember to talk fast. Since Mr. Fox is a master of disguise, add a few extra touches like a hat, a walking stick, or some eyeglasses. Finally, encourage your students to craft their own creative story to bring this character to life.
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Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
It is time for you to let your creativity rain down with a costume inspired by Judi Barrett’s “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs“. Make a raincoat and attach small toy food items to it, showcasing the whimsical world of raining food with a variety of small toy food items. If you are looking for a costume idea that is sure to make your students giggle and inspire their imagination, this is it. You can also add a hat with a large umbrella on top and carry a toy basket or tray of food with you. To finish your look, paint raindrops on your face and wear rain boots.
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Cat in the Hat
Step into the shoes of the mischievous and iconic feline from Dr. Seuss’ “Cat in the Hat.” Put on a tall striped hat, a red bowtie, and a black and white bodysuit. Accessorize with white gloves and a long red scarf, and don’t forget the mischievous grin. With this costume, you can bring the beloved character to life and have a blast.
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Coraline
For a touch of mystery and adventure, channel your inner Coraline in Neil Gaiman’s captivating tale. Dress in a blue bob wig, buttoned yellow raincoat, and carry a small toy black cat. Your students will be inspired to explore new worlds as you embrace the spirit of curiosity and bravery. Read the book to the class before embarking on your journey. Encourage them to ask questions and discuss their favorite parts of the story. Create a fun activity that helps them explore their own creativity.
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Miss Nelson Is Missing
Oh no, Miss Nelson has disappeared! Bring this beloved character from Harry Allard’s “Miss Nelson Is Missing” to life by dressing up as the whimsical Miss Viola Swamp. Don a flowing black dress, a pointy hat, and a cloak, complete with a crooked nose and green face paint. Channel your inner strict substitute teacher and keep your students on their toes! This costume is sure to spark conversations about the value of good behavior and appreciation for their teachers.
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A Bad Case of Stripes:
David Shannon’s “A Bad Case of Stripes” offers an unusual and colorful costume opportunity. Transform into Camilla Cream, the girl who develops a colorful case of stripes, by wearing a striped outfit in vibrant shades. Use face paint or temporary hair color to match the stripes and truly embrace the character’s transformation. This costume will surely capture your students’ attention and imagination.
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Mrs. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus:
Embark on an educational adventure with Mrs. Frizzle and her trusty Magic School Bus from Joanna Cole’s beloved series. Dress up as the zany and eccentric science teacher by wearing a colorful, patterned dress or skirt. Pair it with a vibrant blouse adorned with science-themed accessories like planets, beakers, and microscopes. Don’t forget to add Mrs. Frizzle’s signature frizzy red wig and a pair of whimsical, eye-catching shoes. Your students will be thrilled to join you on a magical learning journey!
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I Spy:
Become the master of mystery and observation with an “I Spy” inspired costume. Wear a black outfit and accessorize with various spy gadgets, such as a magnifying glass, binoculars, and a trench coat. Add a touch of intrigue by creating a secret agent persona, complete with a spy codename. Challenge your students to solve riddles and find hidden objects throughout the day, keeping them engaged and entertained.
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The Hungry Caterpillar:
Delight your students with the charming and famished caterpillar from Eric Carle’s timeless classic. Create a costume by wearing a green outfit adorned with colorful dots representing the caterpillar’s journey through different foods. Add a pair of antennae and carry a plush toy of the hungry caterpillar to complete the look. This costume is sure to spark conversations about healthy eating habits and nature’s wonders.
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Pig the Pug:
Embrace the mischievous and humorous antics of Pig the Pug, the lovable yet misbehaving character from Aaron Blabey’s series. Dress up as Pig by wearing a pug-themed onesie or costume, complete with floppy ears and a curly tail. Encourage your students to reflect on the importance of kindness and sharing, just like Pig learns in the stories.
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The Hunger Games:
Step into the dystopian world of Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” and become a symbol of resilience and strength. Embrace Katniss Everdeen’s courageous spirit by donning a Mockingjay pin, a symbol of rebellion, and a signature archery costume. Add some dirt smudges for that rugged, survivalist look. Your students will be inspired by your bravery and determination, igniting their own fighting spirit.
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid:
Bring the hilarious and relatable Greg Heffley from Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series to life with a simple yet effective costume. Dress in casual attire, like a plaid shirt and jeans, and create a DIY “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” cover to wear as a sandwich board. Write funny captions and include drawings to capture Greg’s quirky and comical adventures. Laugh along with your students and share some relatable moments!
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The Witches
Transform into one of Roald Dahl’s mystical characters to enter the eerie and enchanting world of “The Witches”. Put on a long black dress, a witch’s hat, and gloves for a hauntingly beautiful look. Enhance your appearance with green face paint and a prosthetic nose for that witchy touch. Embody the mischievous nature of the witches and engage your students in a discussion about the power of imagination and the battle between good and evil.
16. Clifford the Big Red Dog
Step into the paws of everyone’s favorite lovable canine, Clifford the Big Red Dog. Embody the larger-than-life character by wearing a red jumpsuit or onesie and attaching large floppy ears to a headband. Create a tail using red fabric or attach a plush Clifford tail to your costume. Don’t forget to draw attention with oversized red paws or mittens. With this costume, your book week teacher costume will be a standout success as you bring joy and excitement to your students.
Teachers, congratulations! You now have an arsenal of amazing book week costume ideas at your fingertips. With costumes ranging from the mysterious and whimsical to the educational and humorous, your classroom will be transported into a world of imagination and storytelling. Let your creativity soar, engage your students’ minds, and inspire them to read and learn. Make a lasting impression during Book Week and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, teachers, it’s time to unleash your inner characters and make this book week the best one yet!
Meet Dale Pruser, our fabulous blogger who lives and breathes costumes! With boundless enthusiasm and a knack for turning heads, she’s the perfect guide to unleash your inner alter ego. Dale’s 30+ years experience in the costume and cosplay industry, make her the go-to source for finding the perfect costume. Her passion and knowledge shine through her blog posts, where she shares helpful tips on finding the perfect costume, DIY hacks to make your outfit stand out, and even delves into the fascinating history behind some of the most iconic characters. Her writing is as vibrant and colorful as the costumes she adores. With a twinkle in her eye and a wardrobe bursting with creativity, Dale dives headfirst into the realm of costumes. She lives for those magical moments when you put on a costume and become someone entirely different—whether it’s a mighty superhero, a swashbuckling pirate, or a glamorous 1920s flapper.