If you’re a parent scrambling for a last-minute costume for the school’s Fall Book Character Parade, we’ve got you covered! Here are some adorable and easy DIY options inspired by our favorite books over the years.

Perfect for busy families, these can be put together with items you may already have at home or can purchase quickly from a local thrift store. These costumes are simple, creative, and parade-ready.

But first, here are some Tips for any DIY Book-o-Ween costume:

Pick a well-known
Go with a no-sew
Keep comfort in
Shop your closet
Keep it

Paddington Bear, Two Ways:

A Bear Called Paddington

Supplies:

Blue poncho or raincoat
Red bucket hat (we used a Tampa Bay Buccaneers bucket hat)
Shirt and shorts (whatever they want to wear to school)
Optional: Brown pants and shirt (to mimic Paddington’s fur)
Shoebox

Directions:

Paint the shoebox brown, and then add a handle using an old belt buckle. Decorate with “P.B.” and “Wanted on Voyage” or postage stamps to create Paddington’s suitcase.
Dress your child in the shirt and They can wear all brown to mimic Paddington’s fur or just wear whatever they usually do to go to school.
Put the blue poncho or raincoat, red bucket hat and shoes on your child.

Paddington Bear Book-O-Ween DIY costume — A Bear Called Paddington costume

Paddington and the Magic Trick

Supplies:

White shirt and black pants (dressy or casual)
Optional: Brown pants and shirt (to mimic Paddington’s fur)
Black plastic top hat
Red felt fabric sheet
Black cape
Wooden dowel (7/16″ in diameter and 12″ long)
Black tape (or black paint)
White tape (or white paint)
Glue gun with glue sticks
Scissors
Black shoes
Velcro sticky-back coins

Directions:

Create the red bow tie by cutting your red felt fabric sheet into 5-by-9-inch You’ll also need a smaller piece of felt that is 2 inches by 4 inches.
Pinch the larger rectangle in the middle to create a
Wrap the smaller strip of felt around the pinched bow, and then cut off any excess
Use the glue gun to add a small dollop of hot glue to the strip on the back side of the bow to secure. Let dry for a few minutes.
Attach the Velcro sticky-back coin to the back of the The other side will be attached to the cape when it’s time to dress up.
Create the wand by wrapping the wooden dowel with the black Leave about an inch at the top. Cut a piece of white tape and wrap the top of the wooden dowel to complete your wand.
Now it’s time to dress up! Have your child wear a white shirt, black pants and black shoes. Then add the cape, top hat and bow tie.

Dog Man Inspired Costume for Book-O-Ween:

When your child comes home and requests to be the character from his favorite book and there is no costume to be found…you improvised! I turned to Pinterest for some inspiration and we came up with this twist on Dog Man.

We put a sheet of yellow felt to use again and cut it into the shape of the badge for his shirt and then rather than making a mask or decorate a hat, we made a Dog Man head out of a foam sheets and glued them onto a wooden stick.

It was cute for his class picture and Book-O-Ween parade and didn't interfere with his school day or face mask which was required at the time.

Dog Man DIY costume — Dog Man DIY Costume

DIY Pirate Costume based on “Help! The Pirate Has Lost His Shipmates!” (or any pirate book child owns)

Supplies:

- Plain or white striped shirt
- Black shorts, pants, leggings or skirt
- Red bandana
- Black vest
- Pirate temporary tattoos
- Pirate hat (optional)
- Red fabric (for the headscarf or belt)
- Eye patch
- Toy sword or hook Directions:

Directions:

1. First, dress your child in a plain or white striped shirt and black shorts, pants, leggings or skirt.
2. Next, add a bandana or red headscarf to your child’s head.
3. Finish the costume by adding a black vest, temporary tattoos, and an eye patch. They can carry a toy sword or hook with their book as they march in the parade.

DIY Pirate Costume by Karimah for Book-o-Ween — DIY Pirate Costume by Karimah for Book-o-ween

DIY Scientist Costume based on “TY’s Travels…Lab Magic” (or any science book child owns)

Supplies:

Oversize white button up long sleeve shirt
Goggles or safety glasses
Khaki pants
Orange shirt or plaid button-up shirt
Clear vinyl badge holder lanyard & name card (optional)

Directions:

First, dress your child in an orange or plaid button-up shirt and khaki pants.
Next, add the oversized white button-up long-sleeve shirt, and then roll up the sleeves.
You can make a badge by writing your child’s name on cardstock or index card. If you’re feeling fancy, add a small picture of your child to the badge.
Place the badge inside the vinyl badge lanyard. Have your child wear it around their neck.
Finish the costume by adding the goggles or safety glasses. They can carry a plastic flask along with their book as they march in the parade.