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Every book lover knows that stories have the power to transport us to exciting new worlds — and what better way to immerse yourself in the magic of literature than by dressing up as your favorite book character? Whether you're a kindergarten teacher looking to cosplay in a clever group costume with your co-workers for Children's Book Week or you're the parent of a little bookworm who needs a creative homemade costume for Halloween, there are so many easy ways to bring beloved storybook characters to life.
From classic children's tales like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to more modern young adult novels like Harry Potter, we've rounded up the best book character costume ideas for teachers, adults and kids, including plenty of easy DIY options for anyone in need of a last-minute costume idea. In fact, most can be put together using items you already have in your closet and basic materials you can order on Amazon.
So if you're ready to show off your book smarts at a Halloween party, parade or school fair by representing the wonderful world of literature, check out this list of the best book characters to dress as — then 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.
'Don't Let the Pigeons Drive the Bus' by Mo Willems
'Don't Let the Pigeons Drive the Bus' by Mo Willems
If you're looking for a simple group costume idea, look no further than Mo Willem's popular children's book. Pair blue T-shirts with crocheted pigeon hats from Etsy and you're ready to go.
'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein
You don't need next-level sewing skills to pull off this Shel Silverstein-inspired costume for Halloween — right down to the no-sew felt apple trick-or-treat bag.
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'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Arthur Conan Doyle
It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes' famous deductive reasoning to understand why his character makes for a great Halloween costume. If you already own a houndstooth coat, all you need is a few detective-appropriate items from Amazon to complete the look.
'Alice's Adventures 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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Anne Shirley has captivated readers for generations — and now you can channel her imaginative nature by dressing up as her in an Edwardian-era dress and pigtails.
Calling all male teachers looking for an easy costume idea! Don Waldo's signature red-and-white T-shirt, then stand in a crowd and see if anyone can find you! Bonus points if you have your students call you Waldo for the day.
RELATED: 50 Best Men's Halloween Costumes to Buy or DIY
'Peter Pan' by J.M. Barrie
For those on the hunt for a couple's costume, Tinkerbell and Peter Pan make for a pretty simple DIY.
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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, so it's a great last-minute costume idea for teachers.
Fans of Pete the Cat won't lose their cool in this Halloween costume inspired by the grade-level book.
'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien
Journey into the realm of fantasy as you become the wizard Gandalf, thanks to some strategically draped gray blankets, a gray beard and wig and a pointy hat.
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With you dressed as Miss Trunchbull and your daughter dressed as Matilda, you'll be an unstoppable literary duo this Halloween.
'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins
The odds will be ever in your favor in this Katniss Everdeen costume — all you need is a toy bow and arrow to complete the all-black ensemble.
RELATED: 55 Best Movie and TV Character Costumes You Can Easily DIY
'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen
Discover the timeless elegance of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet's Regency attire this Halloween.
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'The Rainbow Fish' by Marcus Pfister
Felt fish "scales" and a colorful tulle skirt will turn you into the beloved Rainbow Fish.
'Little Red Riding Hood' by Charles Perrault
'Little Red Riding Hood' by Charles Perrault
This Halloween, whatever you do, be sure to avoid the Big Bad Wolf.
'Madeline' by Ludwig Bemelmans
This is a pretty easy costume to DIY if you waited until the last minute.
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'Beauty and the Beast' by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve
If your nose is always stuck in a book, there's no better costume for you come Halloween than provincial Belle.
RELATED: The Best Halloween Costume Ideas for Brunettes
'The Cat in the Hat' by Dr. Seuss
We're obsessed with this adorable DIY The Cat in the Hat costume — just look at that little goldfish!
