Halloween costumes based on children’s books
Children’s book-inspired costumes make Halloween feel a bit more magical. Think Alice in Wonderland, Dracula, the Very Hungry Caterpillar, or Max in his crown from Where the Wild Things Are. Kids love dressing as characters they already know, and it’s a clever way to sneak in some bookish enthusiasm. The choices are endless, from wizards to wild animals, and many outfits can be pulled together with things you already own, which is always a relief for parents. This list references books by Michael Lawrence, Eric Carle, Janet and Alan Ahlberg, Jill Murphy, Julia Donaldson, Cressida Cowell, Nicola Killen, Lucy Strange, Tim Burton, Chris Riddell, Scott Hawthorn, Elley Cooper, Joseph Coelho & L. Frank Baum.
Halloween costumes for children based on books – our recommendations
Dapper Dracula Boy’s Costume by Bristol Novelty
Bristol Novelty’s toddler outfit is designed for ages 1–2 and comes as a soft one-piece jumpsuit with a detachable cape. It’s made from 100% polyester, so it’s easy to wash and tough enough for repeat use. Everything needed for a classic little Dracula is included in the set, which saves you fussing with extras. Why not have a read of Young Dracula by Michael Lawrence?
Children’s Caterpillar Costume by Bristol Novelty
This caterpillar costume from Bristol Novelty includes a jumpsuit and a matching headpiece. Made from 100% polyester, excluding trim, it’s sponge-clean only and not suitable for under-threes. The packaging is clearly branded, so you know it’s the real thing. It’s a handy option for school plays, themed parties, and Halloween fun. Why not try the classic picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle?
Skeleton Dinosaur Costume by Rubies
This Rubies costume comes with a jumpsuit and a detachable tail, plus a separate headpiece. It fastens with Velcro, so getting it on and off is quick and painless. Made for children, it meets European and UK safety standards, including EN71 and REACH. Designed and sized in the UK, it also includes a size chart to help you pick the right fit. This costume idea is great to read with Funnybones by Janet and Alan Ahlberg.
Colourful Rainbow Witch Costume by Amscan
Amscan’s rainbow witch outfit for ages 1–2 includes a star-patterned dress and a matching black hat. The two-piece set gives you a complete costume in one go, ready for Halloween, fancy dress parties or any other occasion that calls for a touch of magic. It’s perfect to complement Jill Murphy’s Worst Witch series.
Bluey Child Costume by Rubies
Rubies makes this licensed Bluey costume in sizes 2–3 and 3–4. It includes a jumpsuit with a tail and a detachable plush headpiece. Designed in the UK and tested to EN71 and REACH standards, it also comes with a size chart to help choose the right fit. Why not have a look at the Bluey library box set as well!
T-rex Dinosaur Hooded Jumpsuit by Amscan
Amscan’s T-Rex costume features a jumpsuit with an attached hood and tail. Available in a range of sizes, it’s a fun choice for Halloween, school dress-up days or book week activities. Try pairing it with Tyrannasaurus Drip by Julia Donaldson!
How To Train Your Dragon Child Costume by Rubies
Rubies’ licensed Toothless costume includes a printed jumpsuit with wings, a detachable tail and a mask. The jumpsuit fastens at the back with Velcro and can be worn over clothes. The mask has mesh eye panels plus an elastic strap with Velcro, so it stays in place and can be worn comfortably. It’s perfect if you’re reading Cressida Cowell’s How To Train Your Dragon at the same time.
Owl Costume Set by Rubies
Rubies’ toddler owl costume is an adorable unisex outfit for children 90–100cm tall. It comes as a jumpsuit with attached wings and a hood, though socks aren’t included. Pair this costume with Ollie’s Lost Kitten by Nicola Killen!
Victorian Maid Girls Costume by Rubies
Rubies’ Victorian maid costume comes with a dress and attached apron plus a bonnet. Available in four sizes for ages 3–10, it’s designed and sized in the UK and tested to EN71 and REACH standards. A practical pick for school trips, themed parties or Halloween. Pair with The Ghost of Gosswater by Lucy Strange.
Scary Big Head Pumpkin Scarecrow Fancy Dress Halloween Costume by Amscan
Amscan’s scarecrow costume comes with a robe featuring an EVA chest and a large pumpkin mask. Available in sizes for ages 4–12, it includes full measurements for height, chest, waist, sleeve and neck. It’s designed for Halloween or themed parties and gives a convincing look that can be accessorised. It’s the perfect companion to Tim Burton’s The Battle for Pumpkin King.
Gothic School Uniform Costume Dress with Mock Jacket, Shirt & Tie by Smiffys
Smiffys’ gothic school costume features a dress designed to look like a jacket, shirt and tie. Made for ages 4–6, it comes with waist, chest and height measurements for guidance. Tested to EN71 and nightwear safety standards, it arrives in Smiffys branded packaging. Be a member of the Addams Family, or become Goth Girl by Chris Riddell!
Five Nights At Freddy’s Kids Foxy Costume by Rubies
Rubies’ official Foxy costume from Five Nights at Freddy’s includes a jumpsuit, mitts and the signature mask for the full character look. Available in sizes 6–14, it’s UK designed with a size chart to guide you. Tested to EN71 and REACH standards, this licensed outfit is an oven-ready choice for Halloween and themed parties. Perfect for fans of the Five Nights at Freddy’s book series.
Hungry Howler Werewolf by Amscan
Amscan’s Hungry Howler costume includes a shirt with attached mock fur, a full mask and gloves. Trousers aren’t part of the set. It’s hand wash only and comes in sizes from age 4 to 16, with full chest, waist and height measurements listed. Designed for Halloween or themed parties, it gives kids an instant werewolf look. Why not read with Werewolf Club Rules! and other poems by Joseph Coelho?
Wizard of Oz Wicked Witch by Rubies
Rubies’ licensed Wicked Witch costume comes with a dress featuring an attached cape and a pointed hat. Made for children, it offers a full Halloween look in one set. Pair with L. Frank Baum’s classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this Halloween costumes & books list, as well as class sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org UK. Or buy the most popular costumes from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or your class.
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BISACJUV030000, JUV012070 – Juvenile Fiction Holidays & Celebrations, Halloween, Horror | Thema 5HC, YXZH
