The Wobbly Jelly has put together a definitive guide to surviving World Book Day. Whether you’re looking for some inspiration for a homemade costume or maybe you are in a complete whirl as you’ve left it to the last minute and are in need of a quick-fix, whichever it is the Wobbly Jelly has it covered.
Homemade Costumes
Sophie (The Tiger Who Came to Tea – Judith Kerr)
How simple but effective is this gorgeous outfit from one of my favourite children’s books. I particularly love the multicoloured coloured tights. Her sister makes a delightful Tinkerbell too.
Mrs Pepperpot (Mrs Pepperpot – Alf Proysen)
The classic tale of Mrs Pepperpot was first published in the 1950s but remains as popular as ever with young children.
Great Big Little Panther (Peter Pan – J.M. Barrie)
Who wouldn’t have fun going to school in this wonderful costume, accompanied by the toilet roll accessory.
Werewolf (Harry Potter – J.K. Rowling)
Do you have a Harry Potter fan in your house who wants to go as something a little different? Take inspiration from this costume.
Posh Totty (St Trinians – Ronald Searle)
Another story that has delighted children for generations.The gorgeous poodle takes this outfit to a whole new level.
Harry (Harry and The Bucketful of Dinosaurs – Ian Whybrow)
A simple costume that works particularly well if you have a Harry.
Veruca Salt (Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl)
This gorgeous little lady is way too sweet to be Veruca Salt but wouldn’t it be fun to channel her for the day.
Gangsta Granny (Gangsta Granny – David Walliams)
This is one of my favourite book day costumes. Easily identifiable and one that can be put together with little time and effort.
Girl Pirate (The Night Pirates – Peter Harris)
Who said pirates are just for boys. We Jelly Babies love the story of the fearsome girl pirates in The Night Pirates and this outfit was thrown together in minutes.
Wendy and Tinkerbell – Peter Pan (J.M. Barrie)
What could be easier than a white nightie. It may require a pair of tights and pale cardigan at this time of year.
Dorothy – Wizard of Oz (L. Frank Baum)
A simple blue gingham school dress, a toy dog and plaited hair is all that are required for this easy peasy costume but it’s the addition of red shoes and sweet wicker basket that make this little lady the perfect Dorothy.
Pippi Longstocking (Pippi Longstocking -Astrid Lingren)
Pippi Longstocking’s signature plaits can be created in just a few minutes with a piece of garden wire securing them in place. A dress, accessorised with a pair of stripy tights would finish off the outfit perfectly.
Hyena (The Lion King)
This little boy will be donning this hyena outfit on Thursday as his favourite book is one about the Lion King. It might not please the purists but the secret to helping a child learn to read is to let them read something they enjoy. Doesn’t he look fabulous?
If you are short of time or just not feeling creative below you’ll find a whole heap of suggestions for Book Day costumes that take seconds to throw together.
Witch
Winnie the Witch – Valerie Thomas
Meg and Mog – Helen Nicoll
Room on the Broom – Julia Donaldson
Policeman
Cops and Robbers – Janet and Allan Ahlberg
A Day At The Police Station – Richard Scarry
Nurse
You Choose – Pippa Goodhart, Nick Sharratt
This book is a great one to match to any costume you have and it’s loved by so many children.
Footballer
Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend – Francesca Simon
Frankie’s Magic Football – Frank Lampard
Football Fever – Alan Durant
Dog
Bottomly Potts from Hairy Maclairy – Lynley Dodd
Harry the Dirty Dog – Gene Zion
101 Dalmations – Dodie Smith
Elephant
Elephant and the Bad Baby -Elfrida Vipont and Raymond Briggs
Dear Zoo – Rod Campbell
Horton Hears a Who – Dr Seuss
The Slightly Annoying Elephant – David Walliams
But no Elephants – Jerry Smath
Lion
Dear Zoo – Rod Campbell
Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis
How to Hide a Lion – Helen Stephens
There’s a Lion in My Cornflakes – Michelle Robinson
Rabbit
Rabbit’s Nap – Julia Donaldson
The Velveteen Rabbit – Margery Williams
Little Grey Rabbit – Alison Uttley
Lettice – Mandy Stanley
Vampire
The Little Vampire – Angela Sommer-Bodenburg
The Sleepless Little Vampire – Richard Egielski
If you want to know what the Jelly Babies will be dressing up as this year, you’ll just have to take a peek at our Facebook page on Thursday.
The Wobbly Jelly 