10 Iconic Book Week Costumes for Groups or Siblings

By Your Health Magazine

Book Week is a special time of year for schools across Australia, encouraging children to celebrate literature and dress up as their favourite storybook characters. While many kids choose to go solo with their costumes, dressing up as a group can make the experience even more exciting, especially for siblings or friends who want to match their looks and stand out together.

Whether you have two children or a whole group of classmates looking for ideas, this guide will give you fun, practical, and memorable group costume suggestions for Book Week.

1. The Wiggles

The Wiggles are a beloved Australian favourite that’s instantly recognisable. If you have four kids (or a group of four friends), each one can dress in a different coloured skivvy—red, blue, yellow, and purple. Add some black pants and shoes, and you’ve got a simple but very effective costume. Younger siblings especially love this idea because it’s easy and familiar. For an extra touch, carry a plush toy of Wags the Dog or Dorothy the Dinosaur.

2. Harry Potter Characters

The Harry Potter universe offers endless costume opportunities. Siblings or friends can dress up as Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna Lovegood, Draco Malfoy, or even Dobby. All you need are black robes, school uniforms, scarves in house colours, and wands.

Hogwarts-themed Book Week costumes are perfect for kids of different ages and work whether you’re aiming for something store-bought or DIY. Harry Potter Book Week costumes continue to be a top choice for their popularity and variety.

3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Food Items

This fun and colourful idea works especially well for a group with a younger child. One sibling can be the hungry caterpillar, wearing green with antennae, while the others can dress as the various foods from the book, like watermelon, strawberries, and cupcakes.

Use cardboard cut-outs or simple shirts with images of food glued or printed on. It’s a playful, educational costume that younger grades and teachers love.

4. The BFG and Sophie

This Roald Dahl classic makes a charming sibling costume. One child can dress up as the Big Friendly Giant with oversized ears, a waistcoat, and a cardboard trumpet. The other can be Sophie, wearing a nightgown or a simple dress with glasses. This duo is great for storytelling and suits both boys and girls. You can add props like a dream jar to complete the look.

5. The Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 & Thing 2

Dr. Seuss characters are always a hit at Book Week. One child can dress up as the Cat in the Hat with a striped top hat, black outfit, and red bowtie, while others can be Thing 1 and Thing 2 in blue wigs and red shirts with the numbers printed on the front.

This group costume works well for two or three siblings and is easy to put together using simple materials or affordable store-bought items.

6. Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Perfect for a family of four, this classic tale comes to life when one child dresses as Goldilocks in a blue dress and blonde wig or headband, while the others become Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear. Bear costumes can be as simple as brown clothes and bear ears on headbands. This is a sweet, nostalgic idea that’s always well-received by teachers and students alike.

7. The Gruffalo Characters

The world of The Gruffalo offers fun costume ideas for a small group. One child can be the Gruffalo, while others can be the Mouse, the Fox, the Owl, and the Snake. These costumes can be DIY with face paint and ears or more detailed with costumes bought online. It’s a creative way to explore a much-loved story while letting each child be a unique character.

8. Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland is full of colourful and quirky characters, making it perfect for a group dress-up. Options include Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit, and Tweedledee and Tweedledum. You can mix and match based on the number of children and what items you already have at home. The variety makes it ideal for siblings of different ages and personalities.

9. Peter Pan and Friends

Peter Pan and the characters from Neverland offer a magical group theme. One child can be Peter Pan, another Wendy, and the rest can be Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, or even the Lost Boys. These costumes are widely available or easy to create with basic clothes and a few accessories. It’s a great way to turn a beloved story into a fun and imaginative group activity.

10. Oompa Loompas and Willy Wonka

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this costume idea is bright, eye-catching, and ideal for a group. One child can dress as Willy Wonka with a purple coat and top hat, while others become Oompa Loompas with green wigs, brown tops, and white overalls. These Book Week costumes are easy to find online and are guaranteed to make an impression. Plus, kids love the chance to play quirky factory workers for a day.

Group Book Week costumes are a fun and memorable way to celebrate reading with friends or family. Whether you’re dressing two siblings or a whole class, choosing a shared theme from a favourite book encourages cooperation and creativity. Most of these ideas are easy to make at home, budget-friendly, and easily recognisable.

Book Week is about more than costumes—it’s about sparking a love for books and imagination. Dressing up with others can make the experience even more joyful and special. With a little planning and teamwork, you can help your kids create magical memories that last long after the week is over.