The 2023 Book Week theme ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’ has many creative opportunities for kids to immerse themselves in the world of books and imaginative costumes. Our guide to Book Week includes some of our favourite finalists in The Children’s Book Council of Australia ‘Book of the Year’ categories and imaginative costume ideas you can easily DIY at home or find ready-made in one of our stores.

To find all the books that are finalists in the CBCA awards visit QBD Booksellers, Big W, Kmart and Myer.

Let's explore twelve kids' costume ideas that fit the spirit of Book Week 2023! From enchanted fairies to courageous heroes and heroines, we have your child’s outfit idea covered. Find everything you need for their costume at Kmart and Big W.

The nature guardian, inspired by Naturopolis

Embrace the magic of nature and growth with a costume inspired by Naturopolis by Ingrid Bartkowiak. Whether your little one dresses up as gardener with a watering can in hand, a blooming flower complete with petals and a green stem, or a buzzy garden insect such as a bee, they will remind everyone of the beauty of nature.

Naturopolis by Ingrid Bartkowiak - 2023 CBCA Book of the Year: New Illustrator Finalist

The brave space explorer, inspired by Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon

Let your child reach for the stars with a costume good enough to explore the far reaches of our universe. Stories set in outer space such as Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon by Gabrielle Wang celebrate bravery, curiosity, and child-like awe. You can try your hand at DIY-ing an outfit out of carboard, pick up a space suit from Kmart or simply carry a toy spaceship or wear futuristic accessories from EB Games or Zing Pop.

Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon by Gabrielle Wang - 2023 CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers notable mention

The time traveller, inspired by The Raven’s Song

Books about time travel, such as The Raven’s Song by Zana Fraillon & Bren MacDibble have a unique way of transporting you on grand adventures across our universe. To become a time traveller your child can wear a combination of modern and historical clothing, carry a vintage suitcase, or accessorise with a time-turner or pocket watch.

The Raven’s Song by Zana Fraillon & Bren MacDibble - 2023 CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers

The mythical animal friend, inspired by Snap!

Celebrate the power of friendship and compassion with a costume inspired by the tales of animal pals like the ones in Snap! By Anna Walker. Whether it's a friendly dragon, a talking animal, or a fantastic creature, dressing up as a mythical animal has never been easier with Kmart and Big W.

Snap! By Anna Walker - 2023 CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood Finalist

The futuristic innovator, inspired by Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination

Encourage your child's interest in science and innovation with a costume inspired by Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination by Coral Vass. Dressed in a white lab coat and armed with ingenious inventions, your little scientist can inspire others to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Find what you need at Kmart.

Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination by Coral Vass - 2023 CBCA Book of The Year: Picture Book of the Year notable mention

The enchanted fairy or wizard, inspired by Neverlanders

Fostering imagination and creativity, a classic fairy or wizard costume is always a hit. Whether they are adorned with glittering wings, a magical wand or a long wizard beard, your child can bring the enchantment of Neverlanders by Tom Taylor to life this Book Week.

Neverlanders by Tom Taylor - 2023 CBCA Book of the Year: Older Readers Finalist

The courageous hero or heroine, inspired by Frank’s Red Hat

Kids love to be brave; help them harness that feeling by dressing them as one of their favourite fearless characters for the day. From the traditional superheroes to those not so likely such as Frank the penguin from Frank’s Red Hat by Sean E Avery. Find what you need at Kmart and Big W.

Frank’s Red Hat by Sean E Avery - 2023 CBCA Book of the Year: Picture Book of the Year Finalist

Other popular Book Week costume ideas

The annual Book Week theme is intentionally broad, which means the character your child chooses can be absolutely anything – all that matters is that they love it. Here are a few classic costume ideas that prove to be popular every year.

Pirates ahoy – Walt Disney once said “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates’ loot on Treasure Island” which is the perfect way to tie your child’s pirate costume into this year’s theme no matter the book of choice.

Dr. Seuss – Dr Seuss characters capture the imagination of kids and adults alike. Whether your child’s favourite character is the Fox in Socks, the Lorax or Sam I Am, Dr Suess costumes are often simple and inexpensive to create. All you need are a few craft supplies from Smart Dollar, Kmart and Big W.

A daring detective – Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving with a detective costume. Armed with a magnifying glass and a notepad, your little one can unravel mysteries and inspire others to make the world a better place. EB Games have everything you need.

Roald Dahl – Like Dr Suess, Roald Dahl is still a well-loved children’s author. Popular costumes include the BFG, Matilda and Willy Wonka and often can be created without sewing. Find everything you need to bring Roald Dahl to life at Smart Dollar, Kmart, EB Games and Zing Pop.

Harry Potter – No matter if your child chooses to dress up as Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger, or Harry Potter this Book Week, they will be channeling the bravery of Hogwarts (even if they aren’t battling Lord Voldemort). Find magical costumes and wands for casting spells at Kmart, EB Games and Zing Pop.

What’s on this Book Week at Westfield Liverpool

Now is the time to create your game plan for maximising your fun this Book Week. Find out what is happening here.

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