Stress-Free World Book Day
Costume Ideas

Through all the busy bits of March, there's always one day that has us all excited to celebrate first - World Book Day! As a key part of their educational calendar, we thought we’d take the panic out of costume picking and show how a few JoJo favourites can double up as a last-minute World Book Day win and still be worn on repeat all summer.

When is World Book Day?

Many parents will be asking themselves this question at this time of year... when is World Book Day 2026? On the first Thursday of March (that's the 5th this year), we celebrate World Book Day! Whether it's dressing up as your favourite character, reading aloud your favourite poem, or diving into the pages of your favourite storybooks, this special day aims to promote the joy of reading, inspire creativity, and encourage a lifelong passion for books.

3 Benefits of reading to children

1. It helps to develop their language skills and expand their vocabulary. By learning new words, kids gather more information about the world around them, which makes learning new subjects easier when they start school.

2. It helps build empathy and emotional awareness. Books offer an excellent way to open up discussions surrounding feelings. Asking questions like ‘What would you do if you were this character?’ not only sparks creativity but also nurtures their confidence and self-esteem.

3. Enhances the parent-child bond and promotes quality time together. Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity; in fact, the cosy, familiar voice of being read to within a warm, safe environment creates a sensory experience for your child. And after all, there’s nothing snugglier than cuddling up and being guided through a world of imagination.

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DIY World Book Day outfit ideas

Wonderland-worthy

Our Blue Garden Floral Smocked Woven Dress pairs perfectly with some white tights so they can hop to school as Alice in Wonderland from Lewis Carroll's classic, while also having a new, go-to springtime style that they will get plenty of wear out of. Add a black bow to top it all off and, perhaps, a white rabbit toy...

Can you spot them?

Perhaps the most popular World Book Day costume... It's easy peasy to dress up as the beloved searchable heroes Wally or Wanda from the beloved 'Where's Wally?' series! Except with our Red Sardine Stripe Appliqué T-Shirt or Red Boat Appliqué Classic Button Front Dress, you can take your stripey styles well into summer.

For the littlest fantasy lovers

Inspired by the 'That's not my Unicorn' book by Fiona Watt - you can't go wrong with a Unicorn Appliqué Top And Tulle Skirt Set. As well as wearing for World Book Day, this will be their favourite twirly pick for parties, playdates and princess playtimes.

Starry-eyed explorer

Inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's magical tale of the Little Prince, our Blue Seaside Stamp Graphic T-Shirt has a twinkly little sun pocket and graphics on the back to tell the tales of every little planet. Pair with some snuggly blue joggers and get ready to explore, then take the shirt on your summer holiday and wear it some more!

A story to snap about

From Logan Lobster by Gloria Barnett to Sharing a Shell by Julia Donaldson, there’s no shortage of lobster or crab-inspired characters that this Red Lobster 2-Piece Set works for. Beyond the character appeal, this bright design is perfectly on trend for all their summer runarounds.

All the way from Oz

You can turn our Burgundy Red Checked Button-Down Shirt into an instant scarecrow (hay stuffing optional), or style our Blue Gingham Strawberry Frill Square Neck Dress with a couple of braids and a cuddly cowardly lion for a sweet Wizard of Oz-inspired costume. Best of all, these are everyday favourites that they’ll keep reaching for long after World Book Day.

If in doubt...
Pop to the Character Shop

For little bookworms who are not keen on fancy dress, we have lots of special picks to wear, read or play with. Little ones can say “hello!” to their favourite travelling companion, Paddington™ or bounce and hop to explore The Wonderful World of Peter Rabbit.™ And “Why didn’t you know?” We have lots of items to celebrate The Gruffalo! For adventures big or small, you can discover all the storybook bits they need for imagination and beyond.

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Shop Peter Rabbit™

Shop The Gruffalo

Stress-Free World Book Day
Costume Ideas

When is World Book Day?

3 Benefits of reading to children