Choosing a Book Character Costume for Book Week

Start with the child

The best Book Week costume is one your child chose. A costume picked by an adult often ends up in the bag by morning break.

Ask your child which book they have enjoyed most lately. Look at the books on their shelf or the ones they keep asking for at bedtime. Then ask which character they would like to be. Give them a few minutes to think. The first answer is often the right one.

Some things to keep in mind when choosing:

• Pick a character with a clear, simple look. A hat, a cape, a wig or a colour is often enough.
• Think about who will recognise them. Classmates and teachers should know the character at a glance. A character from a book the whole class has read is a safe bet.
• Older children may prefer something less obvious. Let them choose, and let them explain it if asked.
• Villains, sidekicks and animals are all fine. They are often more fun than the hero.

If your child cannot decide, narrow it to two or three and let them vote. If they change their mind the night before, see whether a small change can help. It is easier to swap a prop than a whole outfit.

What schools usually expect

Every school does things differently, so check what yours has said. Most send a note or put a message in the newsletter. The details vary, but a few things come up often.

• Children usually dress as a character from a book. Some schools also allow characters from a story they have made up.
• Many schools ask for no masks that cover the whole face, and no toy weapons. Some ask for no full face paint.
• Some schools ask children to bring the book along, or to be ready to say a few words about the character.
• Many schools stress that a homemade or simple costume is just as welcome as a bought one.
• Some schools hold a parade. Others just let children wear costumes in class.

If the instructions are not clear, ask the class teacher or the school office. A short message saves a lot of worry on the day.

Plan around the school day

A costume that looks great at the gate can be a problem by lunchtime. Think through the whole day before you decide.

Comfort. Your child will wear this for hours. Check that it is not itchy, tight or too hot. Try it on at home and ask them to move about in it. Sit, bend, run and reach. If they complain in the kitchen, they will complain more at school.

Toilets. Your child needs to manage this alone. Try the costume on and practise going to the toilet in it. One-piece outfits, long capes and complicated fastenings can make this hard. Younger children may need something they can pull up and down easily.

Sitting on the floor. Most classes have carpet time. Long skirts, stiff wings, large hats and bulky props get in the way, and in other children's way too. A costume that lets your child sit cross-legged is a good sign.

Wet weather. If it rains, your child may have to walk in it. A coat over the top may hide the costume, and that is disappointing. Pack a waterproof that fits over it, or choose a costume that can go under a coat. Take a bag for wet things and a spare pair of socks.

Playtime. Loose trailing fabric can catch on climbing frames. Props may get lost or broken. Put your child's name on anything that comes off, such as hats, wigs and props.

Everyday clothes underneath. Plain leggings and a T-shirt under a costume make it more comfortable and easier to adjust. They also help if the costume is a little too big or the day turns cold.

Buying ahead

Book Week costumes are popular, and popular characters can sell out. Ordering early gives you time to get the right size and to sort out any problem.

• Decide on the character as soon as the date is announced.
• Check the size chart and the measurements, not just the age on the label. Children of the same age vary a lot.
• If your child is between sizes, go up. A slightly big costume can be pinned or belted. A small one cannot.
• Read the care label and any notes about washing before you let your child wear it.
• If you plan to use face paint, do a small skin test on your child's arm a day or two before.
• Keep the receipt and check the returns policy in case the fit is wrong.

Buying ahead does not mean you must buy everything. Many good costumes are a mix of a bought piece and clothes you already own. A single hat or cape can do a lot of the work.

Short checklist

• Did your child choose the character?
• Will classmates and teachers recognise it?
• Have you read the school's instructions?
• Can your child use the toilet in it, alone?
• Can they sit on the floor and run about?
• Is there a plan for rain and cold?
• Is the name on hats, wigs and props?
• Is the book packed, if the school asks for it?
• Has it been tried on at home before the day?

Keep it simple. A child who feels good in their costume will enjoy the day, whatever it looks like.