Your Good Guide to Book Week 2024 | Macarthur Square

Good Yarns - Book Week / As part of The Good Day Collective campaign, and in celebration of Book Week, we caught up with Gudanji/Wakaja artist Ryhia Dank (Nardurna) and author/podcaster/youth worker Brooke Blurton to chat all things Book Week. Check out the video above to hear about the books they’ve authored, and Ryhia Dank’s involvement with The Indigenous Literacy Foundation. You can find out more about the ILF at the bottom of this page!

Don’t worry! We’ve got your last-minute Book Week costumes sorted

Book Week is almost upon us, bringing with it the excitement and magical atmosphere that kids and teachers love. This year’s theme, ‘Reading is Magic’, celebrates the enchanting power of stories and their ability to transport us to fantastical worlds. An initiative of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, Book Week celebrates the joy of reading, and this year’s feature artist is the multi-award-winning illustrator Jess Racklyeft.  

We know that books open up new realms of imagination and adventure, making reading a magical experience for all ages. Who doesn’t love snuggling down after a long day and reading a book with a little person nestled in your arms?! But life happens and so, you’re probably here because Book Week has crept up on you this year. Don’t worry because we have plenty of last-minute Book Week costumes, books and ideas here at Macarthur Square. In fact, we can sort you out with a last-minute Book Week costume in less than 10 minutes from retailers like Big W, Roni's Home Depot and Target. If you’d like to create some extra magic at home this Book Week, we’re also sharing some Book Week-inspired snacks and treats to bring even more fun to the week. 

So, let’s get started with our guide to your last-minute Book Week prep.

Magical reads that pair well with this year’s Book Week theme

Grab these bestselling books to team with this year’s theme from QBD Books.

Toddlers:
• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
• Possum Magic by Mem Fox
• Puff, the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton
• Magic Beach by Alison Lester

Primary kids:
• The Rainbow Magic series
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling
• The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
• Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

High schoolers:
• Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
• Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
• Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
• Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Buy or DIY

Dressing up as beloved book characters is a cherished tradition during Book Week (well, for the kids, that is). Never fear though! Even if you’ve found yourself in need of a last-minute Book Week costume, we’ve got you sorted with all the best Book Week ideas you can buy or DIY.

Been Googling ‘Book Week costumes near me’? Well, look no further. All of these costumes can be sourced from Big W or Ronis, so just pop on down to see us at Macarthur Square and get all you need in one place and in record time. 

Harry Potter
• Buy: Black robe, round glasses, magic wand and Gryffindor scarf.
• DIY: If you can’t find a robe, a black T-shirt or dress will do. Add a tie and draw a lightning bolt scar on your child’s forehead with eyeliner.

Matilda
• Buy: Blue dress and a red ribbon for the hair.
• DIY: Pair the dress with white socks and black shoes. Don’t forget the book as an accessory!

Where’s Wally?
• Buy: Red and white striped shirt, blue jeans, round glasses, and a red and white beanie.
• DIY: If you can’t find the exact shirt, use fabric paint to add stripes to a plain white T-shirt.

Alice in Wonderland
• Buy: Blue dress, white apron and a headband with bow.
• DIY: Use a plain blue dress and add a white apron. Create a bow with blue ribbon for the headband.

The Cat in the Hat
• Buy: Black shirt and pants, white gloves, red bow tie and a striped hat.
• DIY: Use a black outfit as the base. Make a red bow tie from fabric or ribbon. If you can’t find a hat, make one out of construction paper.

Hermione Granger
• Buy: Grey cardigan, white shirt, pleated skirt, tie and a wand.
• DIY: Use a school uniform as the base and add a wand. Curl your child’s hair or use a wig to complete the look.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• Buy: Green shirt and pants, red beanie, plus felt for making the eyes and antennae.
• DIY: Attach felt eyes and antennae to the beanie. Use fabric paint to add colourful segments to the shirt.

Mary Poppins
• Buy: A black skirt, white blouse, red bow tie, a hat with flowers and an umbrella.
• DIY: Use everyday clothes and add a red bow tie. Decorate the hat with artificial flowers.

The Magic School Bus’s Ms Frizzle
• Buy: A colourful dress with a space or science theme, a red wig and crazy earrings.
• DIY: Use fabric markers to draw planets and stars on a colourful dress.

Peter Pan
• Buy: Green shirt and pants, a belt and a green hat with a red feather.
• DIY: Cut the hem of the shirt and pants in a jagged pattern. Add a feather to any green hat.

Quick and easy magical costume ideas from Big W
Big W have got you covered for easy Book Week costumes - with a selection of over 40 different book character costumes. Visit the Big W website to view the full range and shop in-store at Big W Macarthur Square.

Last-minute Book Week costumes for teachers

Kids don’t have to have all the fun in Book Week — the teachers certainly get into it too. However, if you’ve left it a bit late to get something sorted this year, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered too. Stores like Big W and Roni's Home Depot have plenty of adult-sized costumes. Or, use a few things you already own and just pick up some new accessories from Macarthur Square, like wands, cloaks or themed hats. The most important thing to consider is that your costume is comfortable enough to wear all day, especially if you’re one of the lucky few who get to be in the march. Here are some easy and enchanting last-minute Book Week costumes for teachers that will bring a touch of magic to your classroom:

Professor McGonagall (Harry Potter)
What you need: A long black robe, a pointed witch’s hat and a wand. Add a brooch or a cat accessory to complete the look.

Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings)
What you need: A long grey cloak, a wide-brimmed hat, and a staff. A fake beard can add authenticity to the costume.

Fairy Godmother (Cinderella)
What you need: A pastel-coloured dress, a cape, a tiara and a wand. Add some glittery makeup for a magical touch.

Tinker Bell (Peter Pan)
What you need: A green dress or top and skirt, fairy wings and a wand. Add some sparkly shoes and a bun hairstyle.

Book Week-inspired snacks

If you’d like to make Book Week even more special with themed snacks that bring beloved stories to life. These book-inspired treats are not only delicious but also add a magical touch to the week for your kids. The ingredients for all of these creative and easy-to-make snacks can be found at Coles, Woolworths and ALDI here at Macarthur Square.

Chocolate Cake (like in Matilda)
• Create a rich and decadent chocolate cake inspired by Bruce Bogtrotter’s epic cake-eating scene.
• How to make: Use a simple chocolate cake recipe and decorate with a layer of chocolate frosting. Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips for extra texture. Serve with a glass of milk for the full experience.

Hungry Caterpillar Sandwich Stack
• This colourful and nutritious sandwich stack is inspired by the beloved book.
• How to make: Use different fillings, such as ham, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, to create a rainbow effect. Cut sandwiches into small, round pieces and stack them to resemble caterpillars. Arrange the sandwich circles on a platter in a caterpillar shape.

Fairy Floss Sticks (like in The Lorax)
• These brightly coloured sticks evoke the whimsical landscape of the Lorax’s home.
• How to make: Purchase pre-made fairy floss or use a home fairy floss machine. Twist the floss around wooden sticks. Display the sticks in a vase or jar to mimic the truffula trees.

Green Eggs and Ham (by Dr Seuss)
• Try out this playful take on the classic breakfast dish. Delicious!
• How to make: Use food colouring to dye scrambled eggs green. Arrange the eggs with slices of ham on a plate and a small Dr Seuss book or toy for added fun.

Paddington Bear’s Marmalade Sandwiches (just don’t let the kids put them in their hats!)
• Whip up these simple and tasty marmalade sandwiches, just like Paddington loves.
• How to make: Spread marmalade on white or wholemeal bread. Cut into small squares or shapes using cookie cutters. Wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper and tie them with string for an authentic look.

Harry Potter’s Butterbeer
• It’s easy to create this frothy and sweet drink inspired by the wizarding world.
• How to make: Mix creaming soda with butterscotch syrup and top with whipped cream. Serve in clear mugs with a sprinkle of gold sugar on top for a magical touch.

Gruffalo Crumble
• Create a delicious and easy-to-make apple crumble inspired by the classic tale.
• How to make: Prepare a simple apple crumble with apples, sugar and a buttery crumble topping. Serve in individual ramekins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Winnie the Pooh’s Honey Cookies
• Serve up a batch of sweet honey-flavoured cookies that Winnie the Pooh would adore.
• How to make: Use a basic cookie dough recipe and add honey for flavour. Shape into bear or honey pot shapes using cookie cutters. Drizzle with extra honey or decorate with yellow icing.

These snacks are sure to delight kids and adults alike, adding a tasty and whimsical element to your Book Week celebrations.

We’ve got Book Week sorted at Macarthur Square.

Make this Book Week one to remember by visiting Macarthur Square and stocking up on last-minute book week costumes and ideas. At Macarthur Square, we’re here to help you create a magical experience for the young bookworms in your life. That’s why we’ve got everything you need to transform yourself or your little ones into their favourite magical characters with ease.

Whether you’re looking for enchanting robes, wizard hats or fairy wings, our variety of stores offer an array of costume essentials that will make your Book Week outfit stand out. From the mystical to the marvellous, we’ve got you covered. 

Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary and create magical memories this Book Week.