This DIY “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie Costume” makes the perfect complement to this beloved childhood story. Its quick, easy and budget-friendly and makes for a great last-minute costume for your baby or toddler.
I just couldn’t quite get my act together early enough this year. And, let’s be honest, with a 5 month old, the only reason he was truly getting dressed up for Halloween was for mom to take a commemorative photo. That being said, this “super” mom pulled together a little something the day before that was quick, cheap and inspired by a children’s book (which counts for extra points, right?)
Supplies:
Overalls
Optional: Shirt or Onesie
1 8 x 12 piece of gray felt
1 8 x 12 piece of pink felt
Twine
1 8 1/2 x 11 piece of light brown cardstock
1 8 1/2 x 11 piece of dark brown cardstock
“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”, by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Putting it together:
Outfit: I started out by perusing our little man’s closet for an outfit we could pull off that we had on hand. While the color of the overalls may have not been perfect, they were free.
Ears: I cut roughly a 1-inch-wide strip of the gray felt and sized it to our “mouse’s” head. Then, I used a dot of hot glue to hold it together.Next, I cut each ear piece (no stencil, just eyeballed it) and hot glued them to the headband.
Cookie: I cut out a large circle from the light brown cardstock and punched two holes at the top. Then, I cut out several “chocolate chips” from our dark brown cardstock. Finally, I added a piece of twine to tie this delicious paper goodie around little man’s neck.
This whole costume cost under $5, took less than 20 minutes to throw together and took all of 3 minutes for our guy to be completely done with.
Happy Halloween 2016!
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What better way to get your students interested in reading than to dress as their favorite book character? With so many beloved book series like Pete the Cat, Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Junie B. Jones, and Berenstain Bears, there is no shortage of book character costume ideas.
Feeling really creative? Try bringing an inanimate object or concept to life as with the famous title Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. There are classic choices like Shakespeare or Mary Poppins as well as newer, more edgy options like David from the No! David book or Camilla Cream from A Bad Case of Stripes. Feeling nostalgic? Dress up as Corduroy or the American Girl Molly McIntire. Whether dressing up for Literacy Week or Halloween, you can’t go wrong with one of the many awesome options from our list below!
1. American Girl: Molly
Molly McIntire was one of the original American Girls from the beloved series that includes books, dolls, and other merchandise. This costume offers the perfect excuse to introduce your students to our favorite American Girl while also teaching about life in the States during World War II. Here’s how to get the look:
- Round Costume Glasses, under $10 at Amazon
- Argyle Sweater, under $25 at Amazon
- Blue Skirt, under $40 at Amazon
- Blue Beret, under $15 at Amazon
- Ruffle Ankle Socks, under $15 at Amazon
- White Peter Pan Collar Blouse, under $30 at Amazon
- Black Mary Jane Shoes, under $35 at Amazon
Image: Sincerely Molly
2. Corduroy
This cute and cuddly book character costume is really easy to pull together. Match a green corduroy jumper with a brown shirt, then don a pair of teddy bear ears, and you’re good to go. Here’s how to get the look:
- Corduroy Jumper, under $25 at Amazon
- Teddy Bear Ears, under $10 at Amazon
Image: @jess.and.cece_thefrenchie
3. Junie B. Jones
Everyone’s favorite mischievous kindergartner Junie B. Jones (don’t forget the B!) makes for an adorable costume for kids and adults alike. Here’s how to get the look:
- Pink Cardigan, under $25 at Amazon
- Purple Skort, under $30 at Amazon
- Rainbow Leggings, under $20 at Amazon
- Brown Bob Wig, under $15 at Amazon
- Pink Bow Headband, under $10 at Amazon
Image: Pinterest/Holli Watkins
4. Captain Underpants
Some book character costume ideas, like this one, are sure to crack up your students! All you’ll really need in addition to some black leggings and a black shirt is a superhero cape and (of course) some undies! Here’s how to get the look:
- Superhero Cape, under $10 at Amazon
- Black Bodysuit, under $30 at Amazon
Image: @littleapplelearning
5. Berenstain Bears
Teachers and students have grown up with the Berenstain Bears and will equally enjoy this fun costume. With a book for every life lesson, this classic children’s series is a go-to in libraries and classrooms across the country. An added bonus? You can trade in your heels or flats for some comfy bear paw slippers! Here’s how to get the look:
- Men’s Overalls, under $35 at Amazon
- Yellow Button-Down Dress Shirt, under $25 at Amazon
- Blue and White Polka Dot Dress, under $20 at Amazon
- Bear Paw Slippers, under $30 at Amazon
- Hot Pink Jumpsuit, under $20 at Amazon
- White Shirt With Pink Polka Dots, under $20 at Amazon
- Red Golf Shirt, under $20 at Amazon
Image: Instead of the Dishes
6. Amelia Bedelia
Here’s another easy book character costume you can put together in a snap. Add a ruffled bib apron to a black dress, glue some dollar-store daisies to a black hat, and bring along your fanciest feather duster. Here’s how to get the look:
- Ruffled Bib Apron, under $20 at Amazon
- Feather Duster, under $10 at Amazon
- Knee Socks, under $10 at Amazon
- Black Ruffle Dress, under $40 at Amazon
- Felt Hat, under $15 at Amazon
Image: @cma1291
7. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
If you’ve got some denim overalls, you’ve got most of what you need for this If You Give a Mouse a Cookie costume. Make or buy a pair of mouse ears and a giant cookie, then paint whiskers and a pink nose on your face (or face mask). Here’s how to get the look:
- Mouse Ears, under $15 at Amazon
- Overalls, under $45 at Amazon
Image: @blushlovepeony
8. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
If you love The Very Hungry Caterpillar, you’ll want to give this costume idea a try. Buy a green tutu, then use fabric markers or paint to cover a T-shirt with fruit and other foods. Yum! Here’s how to get the look:
- Green Tutu, under $20 at Amazon
- Fabric Markers, under $15 at Amazon
- White Long-Sleeve Shirt, under $15 at Amazon
- Iron-On Butterfly, under $15 at Amazon
Image: @thebeachclassroom
9. William Shakespeare
There are plenty of book character costume ideas to steal from Shakespeare, but why not dress as the Bard himself? Grab the costume set and add a skull for good measure. Here’s how to get the look:
- Shakespeare Costume, under $45 at Amazon
- Plastic Skull, under $20 at Amazon
Image: Amazon
10. Pippi Longstocking
Pippi Longstocking is a quick and fun costume. Find a cute peasant dress you like, add a crazy braided red wig and some freckles, and don’t forget your pet monkey! Here’s how to get the look:
- Braided Red Wig, under $15 at Amazon
- Plush Monkey, under $15 at Amazon
Image: Snog the Frog
11. Max from Where the Wild Things Are
Finally, an excuse to buy that grown-up onesie you’ve been craving! Grab an adjustable furry crown to complete your costume. Here’s how to get the look:
- Furry Crown, under $15 at Amazon
- Onesie, under $35 at Amazon
Image: @kblovestoread
12. No, David!
This is such a fun costume that can be as simple or as complicated as you feel like making it. Feeling crafty? Make a papier-mâché mask like this one. Short on time? Grab some poster board and a Popsicle stick and make a rudimentary mask to complement David’s signature blue-and-white striped shirt and red pants. Here’s how to get the look:
- Blue and White Striped Shirt, under $20 at Amazon
- Red Pants, under $20 at Amazon
Image: Pinterest/Victoria
13. Fancy Nancy
Fancy Nancy is just ripe with costume opportunities. You really can’t go wrong with any number of accessories, but be sure to include her signature feather duster! Here’s how to get the look:
- Pink Feather Boa, under $10 at Amazon
- Flamingo Sunglasses, under $10 at Amazon
- Rainbow Duster, under $10 at Amazon
- Tutu, under $15 at Amazon
- Tiara, under $10 at Amazon
- Pink and White Socks, under $15 at Amazon
Image: Twitter/Fiona Hickey
14. Coraline
Slip through the secret door with a cute Coraline costume. Be sure to include the signature blue wig and yellow rain boots! Here’s how to get the look:
- Blue Wig, under $15 at Amazon
- Yellow Rain Boots, under $30 at Amazon
- Yellow Pea Coat, under $35 at Amazon
Image: @abooklikeyou
15. Viola Swamp
Miss Nelson is missing! Maybe Viola Swamp (i.e., you!) knows where she is! Put on some black-and-yellow striped stockings and a long witch nose to see if you can find out. Here’s how to get the look:
- Black and Yellow Striped Stockings, under $15 at Amazon
- Long Witch Nose, under $10 at Amazon
- Spiderweb Glasses, under $15 at Amazon
Image: @secondgrade.shenanigans
16. Olivia
Speaking of striped stockings, how adorable is this Olivia costume? We found the striped tights and pig accessories—you supply your favorite red dress. Here’s how to get the look:
- Striped Tights, under $15 at Amazon
- Pig Accessories, under $10 at Amazon
Image: @fernaunder
17. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
The laugh-out-loud series Diary of a Wimpy Kid will make for a costume that will definitely win your students’ approval. Here’s how to get the look:
- White T-Shirt, under $10 at Amazon
- Black Shorts, under $15 at Amazon
- White Leggings, under $20 at Amazon
- Black Fabric Marker, under $10 at Amazon
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid Mask, under $30 at Amazon
Image: Pinterest/Ged Hartshorn
18. Pete the Cat
Who says your favorite character has to be a person? Bring Pete the Cat to life with a pieced-together costume like Meghann of Coloring in Cardigans, or buy a premade costume like the one listed below. Either way, here’s how to get the look:
- Red Sneakers, under $25 at Amazon
- Yellow Button-Up Shirt, under $25 at Amazon
- Multi-Colored Buttons, under $10 at Amazon
- Blue Knit Cat Hat, under $15 at Amazon
- Pete the Cat Costume, under $50 at Amazon
Image: Coloring in Cardigans
19. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
This has to be one of the most clever book character costumes we’ve ever seen! Want to make your own? Dress in brown, then add some large felt alphabet letters and a cute palm tree headband. Here’s how to get the look:
- Large Felt Alphabet, under $20 at Amazon
- Palm Tree Headband, under $15 at Amazon
Image: @justalittlelibrarian
20. Hester Prynne
The Scarlet Letter A will help your high school students identify this book character costume in a flash. Purchase a bonnet, collar, cuffs, and apron set to add to your own black dress. Here’s how to get the look:
- Bonnet, Collar, Cuffs, and Apron, under $20 at Amazon
Image: @sarafloss
21. Dog Man
If you’re an upper-elementary school teacher, you should try this easy-to-re-create look. Turn a simple blue sweatshirt and hat into Dog Man’s signature uniform by cutting out the yellow crown and attach it with some adhesive Badge Magic. Finally, add some cute dog ears and paint your nose black! Here’s how to get the look:
- Blue Crewneck Sweatshirt, under $20 at Amazon
- Blue Baseball Cap, under $15 at Amazon
- Badge Magic, under $10 at Amazon
- Yellow Felt, under $15 at Amazon
- Dog Ears, under $15 at Amazon
- Face Makeup, under $20 at Amazon
Image: Instagram/Bryce Sizemore
22. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
What’s the weather forecast today? How about Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs? You can buy an umbrella and lab coat, but you’ll likely have to make your own clouds and meatballs. Here’s how to get the look:
- White Lab Coat, under $20 at Amazon
- Clear Umbrella, under $25 at Amazon
- Plastic Fruit, under $25 at Amazon
Image: Pinterest/Sally Judd
23. Mary Poppins
Most kids know Mary Poppins from the popular movies, but she was a book character first! By a complete costume set or piece it together with items you might already own like Laura of Luv My Kinders. Here’s how to get the look:
- Costume Set, under $50 at Amazon
Image: @inspiredwithmrsd
24. The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
We got a real chuckle out this clever costume idea! Print and pin a spider, fly, cat, and more to your stomach, slip on an old lady wig, and you’re done! Here’s how to get the look:
- Old Lady Wig, under $20 at Amazon
Image: @cre8ivesky
25. Camilla Cream
Uh-oh, looks like someone has A Bad Case of the Stripes! You can have one too with either some face paint or a rainbow mask. Here’s how to get the look:
- Face Paint Set, under $20 at Amazon
- Rainbow Striped Face Mask, under $10 at Amazon
Image: @peaceloveteach4th