Next time you’ve got book club, a costume party, a school event or you’re just passing out Halloween candy, don one of the book character costumes we’ve gathered here. Better yet, rope your loved ones into it (that includes pets). You’ll get noticed by fellow readers and get swept away in the fun. Here, you’ll find costumes for adults, kids, toddlers, infants and furry friends so that everyone can be part of the story. And this book character costume roundup has something for readers and book devourers (we’re looking at you, babies) of all ages—mystery, fantasy, picture books, epic series, dystopian novels and fairy tales—it’s quite a library of options! Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best Book Character Costumes for Adults
1. Men’s Where’s Waldo Costume, $34.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
Hide in plain sight with this timeless favorite. Waldo is the perfect option for someone who likes their costume to be easy and comfy. Men’s Where’s Waldo Costume, $34.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
2. Men’s Deluxe Willy Wonka Costume, $49.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
If you’re a candy enthusiast, a frequent Willy Wonka watcher, a fan of author Roald Dahl or you just like the idea of playing tricks on bratty kids, this costume is your golden ticket. Men’s Deluxe Willy Wonka Costume, $49.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
3. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Costume for Women, $44.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
This Chicka Chicka Boom Boom costume has “elementary teacher” or “librarian” written all over it. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Costume for Women, $44.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
4. Katniss Mockingjay Costume for Women, $74.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
This Katniss costume may make you feel so confident, you’ll believe you’re good at archery. May the odds be ever in your favor. Katniss Mockingjay Costume for Women, $74.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
5. Dracula Costume for Men, $19.99+ on HalloweenCostumes.com
Before modern movie vampires, there was Dracula. This costume is perfect for someone with a taste for…the classics. Dracula Costume for Men, $19.99+ on HalloweenCostumes.com
6. Sherlock Holmes Men’s Costume, $49.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
It’s elementary, dear reader, this costume solves the mystery of what to wear for that upcoming occasion.
7. Sherlock Holmes Women’s Costume, $49.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
Investigate your book character costume options, then see if you don’t come back to this one. We spy a charming ensemble. Sherlock Holmes Women’s Costume, $49.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com Just add a straw hat to this dress and be transported to Prince Edward Island. Take it from Anne, “It is ever so much easier to be good if your clothes are fashionable.”
9. Handmaid’s Tale Costume, $39.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
If dystopia is your realm, this Handmaid’s Tale costume is the right choice for you. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. Handmaid’s Tale Costume, $39.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
10. Gatsby-inspired Flapper Costume, $34.99+ on HalloweenCostumes.com
Get a taste of the roaring twenties in this glittery Gatsby-esque gown. It’s a lovely choice for a lavish affair. Gatsby-inspired Flapper Costume, $34.99+ on HalloweenCostumes.com
11. Game of Thrones-Inspired Dark Northern King Costume, $89.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
It’s a TV show, but also a best-selling book series! This Game of Thrones costume is perfect for Halloween (and will keep you warm while trick-or-treating!). Game of Thrones-Inspired Dark Northern King Costume, $89.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
13. Gandalf Costume, $65.99 on Costumes.com
You shall not pass…this costume up. Let your Lord of the Rings fandom shine as bright as the flame of Anor.
Kids Book Character Costumes
15. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume, $77.99+ from PnutFish on Etsy
When your little one puts on this adorable handmade costume, they’ll transform into a very hungry cute-r-pillar. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume, $77.99+ from PnutFish on Etsy
18. Clifford the Big Red Dog Costume, $44.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
Fetch this costume and you’ll definitely be the big dog at the party. Clifford the Big Red Dog Costume, $44.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
19. The Cat in the Hat Costume, $39.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
If you’ve got a young fan of mischief and rhyming, they’ll jump at the chance to be Cat in the Hat. Speaking in rhymes is optional. The Cat in the Hat Costume, $39.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
20. Corduroy Toddler Costume, $39.99 on SpiritHalloween.com
This charming Corduroy costume will keep your kiddo cozy and earn them plenty of “aww’s” from the grown-ups—no one can resist a fuzzy teddy bear! Corduroy Toddler Costume, $39.99 on SpiritHalloween.com
22. Arthur Costume Kit, $10.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
This Arthur Costume Kit comes with aardvark ears and Arthur’s quintessential glasses. Just add a yellow shirt and you’re set. Arthur Costume Kit, $10.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
23. Coraline Costume, $44.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
Anyone who doesn’t have buttons for eyes can see that this Coraline costume is spot-on. Coraline Costume, $44.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
24. Captain Underpants Costume, $39.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
Tra-la-laaaa! Never underestimate the power of Captain Underpants! Captain Underpants Costume, $39.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
25. Llama Llama Red Pajama Costume, $29.99+ on HalloweenCostumes.com
Skip the llama drama and go straight to this llamazing costume. It’s mama-approved. Llama Llama Red Pajama Costume, $29.99+ on HalloweenCostumes.com
27. Pinkalicious-inspired Fairy Costume, $19.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
This sweet pink fairy costume is proof that you can never have too much pink. Pinkalicious-inspired Fairy Costume, $19.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
Adult and Child Duo Book Character Costumes
28. Bo Peep Women’s Costume, $59.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
29. Lamb Infant Costume, $34.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
Bo Peep may not know where to find her sheep, but you know exactly where to find this darling duo. Bo Peep Women’s Costume, $59.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com as well as Lamb Infant Costume, $34.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
31. Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf Costume, $19.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
Your wolf isn’t big or bad. That means you can safely take him wherever you go in this matching get-up. Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf Costume, $19.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
31. Miss Frizzle Costume, $39.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
32. School Bus Costume, $49.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
Learning is magical, and no one knows that better than Miss Frizzle of The Magic School Bus. Put your little one in the driver’s seat of this yellow school bus costume and you’ll both be on your way to discovering something new. Miss Frizzle Costume, $39.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com as well as School Bus Costume, $49.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
Group Book Character Costumes
35. Alice Adult Costume, $59.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
36. Mad Hatter Adult Costume, $59.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
37. Queen of Hearts Kids Costume, $39.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
You could really go down a rabbit hole with Alice in Wonderland costumes, but these will get your tea party started. Alice Adult Costume, $59.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com as well as Mad Hatter Adult Costume, $59.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com and Queen of Hearts Kids Costume, $39.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
38. Harry Potter Gryffindor Kids Costume, $34.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
39. Hagrid Adult Costume, $99.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
40. Luna Lovegood Adult Costume, $89.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
Get up to no good in these spellbinding Harry Potter costumes. Harry Potter Gryffindor Kids Costume, $34.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com as well as Hagrid Adult Costume, $99.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com and Luna Lovegood Adult Costume, $89.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
41. Goldilocks Adult Costume, $44.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
42. Adult Bear Costume, $99.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
43. Bear Costume for Pets, $29.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
These costumes are juuuust right. Goldilocks Adult Costume, $44.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com as well as Adult Bear Costume, $99.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com and Bear Costume for Pets, $29.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
44. Winnie the Pooh Pajama Costume, $79.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
45. Baby Tigger Costume, $59.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com
This group of costumes is as sweet as a pot of Pooh’s prized “hunny.” Check out the whole Hundred Acre gang on HalloweenCostumes.com. Winnie the Pooh Pajama Costume, $79.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com as well as Baby Tigger Costume, $59.99 on HalloweenCostumes.com Want even more great costume ideas for you and your family? Take a look at 50 of the Cutest, Funniest Family Halloween Costume Ideas for Your Entire Crew.
