Ever thought about diving into your kid’s favorite book and meeting all those beloved characters? This Halloween, let’s turn those literary dreams into reality! From classics to modern-day favorites, we’ve curated a list of literary characters that’ll transform your little ones into the stars of their own beloved stories.
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Matilda from ‘Matilda’ by Roald Dahl
Costume Elements: Blue dress, red ribbon, a stack of books
Fun Tip: Add a toy newt (Ms. Trunchbull’s surprise) as an accessory!
Harry Potter from ‘Harry Potter Series’ by J.K. Rowling
Costume Elements: Gryffindor robe, glasses, wand, lightning scar
Fun Tip: A toy owl (Hedwig) can be a magical companion.
Alice from ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ by Lewis Carroll
Costume Elements: Blue dress, white apron, black ribbon headband.
Fun Tip: Carry a “Drink Me” potion bottle for added flair.
Peter Pan from ‘Peter Pan’ by J.M. Barrie
Costume Elements: Green tunic, feathered hat, dagger
Fun Tip: A little Tinker Bell doll can be a perfect sidekick!
Anne Shirley from ‘Anne of Green Gables’ by L.M. Montgomery
Costume Elements: Puffed sleeve dress, braided red wig, straw hat
Fun Tip: Recite poetry and embrace the imaginative spirit of Anne!
Max from ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak
Costume Elements: White one-piece wolf suit, golden crown
Fun Tip: Encourage wild roars and dance like the wild things!
Pippi Longstocking from ‘Pippi Longstocking’ by Astrid Lindgren
Costume Elements: Pinafore dress, mismatched stockings, wire-braided red wig
Fun Tip: Show off those superhuman strength skills – like lifting your “horse”!
Madeline from ‘Madeline’ by Ludwig Bemelmans
Costume Elements: Blue dress, white collar, yellow hat, white gloves
Fun Tip: Bring along a toy version of the dog, Genevieve, and practice your best “Pooh-pooh” to any potential tigers in the zoo!
Charlotte and Fern from ‘Charlotte’s Web’ by E.B. White
Costume Elements (Charlotte): Black dress, eight spider legs, a web accessory or prop.
Costume Elements (Fern): Classic farm attire, such as overalls or a denim dress, pigtails or braided hair, and a stuffed animal pig (Wilbur) as a prop.
Fun Tip: For Charlotte, attach words like “RADIANT” or “SOME PIG” to her web or even use glow-in-the-dark paint to make them stand out! For Fern, carrying around her little Wilbur will remind everyone of the loving bond she shares with her special pig.
Ms. Valerie Frizzle from ‘The Magic School Bus’ series by Joanna Cole
Costume Elements: Brightly colored, patterned dress (representing that episode’s theme), frizzy red wig, large earrings, and of course, a lizard (Liz) as an accessory
Fun Tip: Choose one of the many field trips Ms. Frizzle takes her students on and accessorize with that theme. From space to inside the human body, the options are endless!
The Hungry Caterpillar from ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ by Eric Carle
Costume Elements: Green body suit or sweatsuit with multiple shoes/boots for the many feet, red headpiece or hat with big eyes and antennae
Fun Tip: Carry around some toy food items. After all, he’s always hungry! Consider a slice of cake, pickle, cheese, or any of the other foods he munches on throughout the book. For an extra touch, add a butterfly wing accessory or a second costume to showcase the caterpillar’s transformation at the end of the story.
Paddington Bear from ‘Paddington’ by Michael Bond
Costume Elements: Blue duffle coat, red hat, brown furry suit (or brown clothes), and a suitcase
Fun Tip: Add a tag to the suitcase that reads: “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” and carry around a jar of marmalade – Paddington’s favorite treat!
Pete the Cat from ‘Pete the Cat’ series by Kimberly and James Dean
Costume Elements: Blue cat onesie or blue clothing, big yellow eyes (can be made from felt or cardboard), and whichever shoe color corresponds to your favorite Pete the Cat story (e.g., white shoes, red shoes).
Fun Tip: Remember, no matter what color shoes you wear, it’s all good! Sing your favorite Pete the Cat song as you trick-or-treat. Whether the shoes are wet, hot, or cool, keep walking along and singing your song!
Daniel Tiger from ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ inspired by ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’
Costume Elements: Red cardigan sweater, blue sneakers, tiger face paint or mask, and a wristwatch (just like the one Daniel wears in the show).
Fun Tip: As Daniel often sings little songs to express his feelings or share lessons, come up with a catchy, simple song for trick-or-treating! “When we go out to play, we say, ‘Trick or treat!’ today!”
The Cat in the Hat from ‘The Cat in the Hat’ by Dr. Seuss
Costume Elements: A tall red and white striped hat, black cat onesie or suit, white gloves, oversized red tie, and a playful grin.
Fun Tip: For added fun, carry a pair of mischievous stuffed Thing 1 and Thing 2 characters. Just remember, no matter how much mischief you get into, always clean up before mom gets home!
Nancy Drew from ‘Nancy Drew’ series by Carolyn Keene
Costume Elements: 1950’s style skirt or dress, cardigan, magnifying glass, and notebook.
Fun Tip: Be the detective of the night and find out who’s hoarding all the good candy!
Characters from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ by L. Frank Baum
Dorothy
Costume Elements: Blue and white gingham dress, red glitter shoes, and a small basket. Optionally, a stuffed dog to represent Toto.
Scarecrow
Costume Elements: Old flannel shirt, baggy pants, straw hat. Add straw poking out from sleeves, pant legs, and hat for the full effect.
Tin Man
Costume Elements: Silver face paint, silver clothing (or cardboard made to look like tin), and a funnel hat. Don’t forget a heart!
Cowardly Lion
Costume Elements: Lion mane, tail, and face paint. Optionally, a badge of courage to wear proudly on the chest.
Wicked Witch of the West
Costume Elements: Green face paint, pointy black hat, long black dress, and a broomstick.
Glinda the Good Witch
Costume Elements: Long pink or white flowing dress, tall crown, and a wand.
Fun Tip: Gather a group of friends and go as the whole Oz crew! When walking from house to house, remember to stick to the “yellow brick road” (sidewalk) and beware of flying monkeys!
🎃 Which literary character is your child dressing up as?
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