This week marks World Book Day, which has been designed to encourage children to read and develop a love for literature.
Set up by Unesco, this year World Book Day - which falls on Thursday March 3 - also marks the 25 th anniversary of World Book Day in the UK.
While the day is all about getting your children to fall in love with books, one of the major traditions of the day involves dressing your kids up like their favourite storybook character.
For parents looking for simple but clever costume ideas for your kids this World Book Day, here are a few you can easily put together in a short time.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Inspired by the children's classic story by Eric Carle, this green caterpillar costume with padded sections and brown felt legs is perfect for one- to eight-year-old kids.
It costs £15 from Sainsbury's, and has the famous fruit from the story attached to the front with one-touch fastenings, so they can be removed and changed around. It also has an adorable red hood with the eyes, purple antennae and the head of the caterpillar. Buy the costume here.
Peter Rabbit
Just as perfect for a toddler as it is for a young school-goer, the Peter Rabbit costumer is perfect for little Beatrix Potter fans.
The costume includes Peter's signature blue jacket with brown trousers, accompanied by an adorable 3D rabbit hat and fluffy bunny tail. Check it out here .
Postman Pat
This five-piece costume set of Postman Pat comes with a hat, glasses, two letters and suit jacket and bottoms, as well as a special delivery bag so that they can post and deliver to their heart's content as they play dress up on World Book Day.
The full set is easily available at Sainsbury's and all you need from your side to complete the outfit is a toy black and white cat. Buy the costume here.
Hermione Granger
Who wouldn't want to bring a bit of Harry Potter magic to World Book Day? Get your kids to wear their Hogwarts uniform with pride as Hermione Granger.
The costume comes with a pointed hood, long trumpet sleeves and a trompe-l’œil print on the front. Find the costume here.
Fantastic Mr Fox
You can never go wrong choosing to dress up a Roald Dahl-inspired character.
This Mr Fox costume consists of a long line striped blue jacket with an attached mock waistcoat with a fur chest.
The gingham neckerchief, a fox mask with attached ears and an elasticated strap across the back make for the perfect accessories. Buy here.
Horrid Henry
Literature's favourite bad boy Horrid Henry is an easy idea for World Book Day.
This costume includes his signature blue and yellow striped jumper and blue trousers, as well as a Horrid Henry logo in green on the chest. A cartoon mask completes the look. Buy it here .
Mary Poppins
Take inspiration from Disney with this adorable Mary Poppins costume, complete with a pair of white stockings, black shoes and a umbrella
The one-piece outfit also includes the signature red bow tie and black flower hat. Check out the outfit here .
Matilda
A Matilda costume is another one that all Roald Dahl fans will love. This blue dress from the children's classic is decorated with Quentin Blake illustrations in silver and trimmed with blue bows. All you need to add is a red hair ribbon and the costume is set to go.
The best part of this idea is that you can easily DIY it. Just pick a preppy outfit - maybe pinafore or a smart school skirt and blouse - from your child's cupboard. Add a hair band and some (fake) newts in a jar to complete the look. Buy the costume here or make it yourself at home.
Wise Wizard
Another magical costume, your kids get to live out their dreams of being Merlin, Gandalf or Dumbledor - or any wizard of their choice - with this £16.99 set.
This versatile costume comes complete with robe, pointed hat, white beard and wand. Check out the outfit here.
