A Symphony of Stories: Your Guide to Conducting a Masterpiece This Boo

July 28, 2026 4 min read

Each year, Book Week unites schools across Australia to encourage literacy, celebrate Australian authors, and spark imagination through the joy of dressing-up.

Looking back, Book Week was always a highlight of my primary school years.

From Dorothy and Little Red Riding Hood, to creating my own DIY Cheshire Cat (think painted stripes and a pink feather boa tail), I loved the chance to dress-up as my favourite storybook characters.

Did you know? Book Week was founded in 1945 by the Children’s Book Council of Australia? It launched with the theme United Through Books. (The same year Australia became a founding member of the United Nations…Talk about history!)

The CostumeBox team and I are singing songs of glee for this year’s Book Week theme, a Symphony of Stories, which runs from the 22nd to the 28th of August 2026.

We're so inspired by this year’s theme that we’ve designed our own costumes to help you bring the Symphony of Stories to life.

So, tune your musical ear and get ready to conduct a masterpiece this Book Week, with my top Symphony of Stories Book Week costume ideas for girls, boys and teachers too.

1. Wizard of Oz

L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is tied to one of the most iconic soundtracks in history. Its musical storytelling perfectly aligns with this year’s Book Week theme of Symphony of Stories, with each character bringing their own unique sound to the literary orchestra.

The Scarecrow: Moves to the playful, stumbling plucks of a banjo or woodwinds.
Tin Man: Clinks to the strikes of a xylophone.
Cowardly Lion: Steps to the dramatic booms of a timpani drum.
The Wicked Witch of the West: Enhances the drama by combining her villainous cackle with the staccato notes of a brass section.
Dorothy: I’m sure everyone has the same song in mind when they wear a Dorothy costume, right?

2. Roald Dahl

When I think of a Symphony of Stories, Roald Dahl characters with their mix of mischievous rhythms and magical melodies instantly come to mind.

Willy Wonka: Conduct a world of pure imagination with theatrical woodwinds and twinkling chimes, prompting you to sing a recognisable tune.
Oompa Loompa: Bops to the rhythmic plucks of a double bass and the marching tempo of a tuba.
Matilda: A high energy anthem of a schoolyard chorus.
Fantastic Mr Fox: Scampers to the fast-paced soundtrack of a rustic banjo.

3. Alice in Wonderland

I have always found the magical world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to be a masterpiece of sound and imagination, one that I’m certain will make you the main melody of the Symphony of Stories Book Week parade.

Alice: Ponders to the gentle notes of a flute or harp.
Mad Hatter: Dances to crashing cymbals and an out of tune piano.
White Rabbit: Dashes to the frantic tempo of a ticking metronome, shouting “I’m late, I’m late for a very important date.”
Queen of Hearts: Stomps around the royal court to blasts of trumpets.

4. Storybook Classics

Every classic fairytale has crafted a distinct soundtrack in our imaginations for generations. For me it’s Beauty and the Beast, with a chorus of operatic voices and grand strings. What would yours be?

Knight or King: Commands the fanfare of brass horns and marching drums.
Goldilocks, Anne of Green Gables, or Jack and the Beanstalk: Rustic strums of a lute, an acoustic guitar of the chirp of a wooden flute.
Princess or Fairy: A melody of grand orchestral strings and the ethereal twinkling of a golden harp.

More Popular Book Week Character Ideas

Did someone say encore? I’ve composed even more Book Week character ideas to keep your Symphony of Stories playing on…

Mary Poppins (My Book Week Top Pick): The practically perfect blend of musicality and imagination. Need I say more?
Harry Potter: Conjure a magical melody of mystery and John Williams-esque nostalgia.
Australian Animals: Simply listen to the bird calls as they harmonise among the trees.
Cat in the Hat: The rhyming universe of Dr Seuss creates a distinct, yet chaotic tempo.
Little Red Riding Hood: A woodland tale that weaves a folk-inspired tune.

My Top Book Week Tips

Make the most out of Book Week by keeping these pro tips in mind:

Prioritise Comfort: Let’s face it, no one wants to spend the whole day wrestling with a rigid cardboard box, unless you're aiming for a robot look, of course. So whether your little one needs to stay comfy while running around the playground, or you’re a teacher looking for all-day comfort, I highly recommend our CostumeBox Exclusives range of plush animal jumpsuits. Plus, they make for great cosy loungewear long after Book Week has finished.
Don’t Forget the Accessories: Sometimes it's the props that really bring a Book Week character to life. Little Red Riding Hood? Don’t forget your fairytale basket. Harry Potter? Not without his trusty glasses and wand. Accessories can be the difference between a good costume and the winning look of your Book Week parade.
Bring the Book: And we definitely can't forget the most essential accessory, the book that inspired your costume look.
Think Ahead: Who says your Book Week costume is a one-hit wonder? Choose a character that’s ready for a second act, like the Wicked Witch of the West who’s just as perfect for the Halloween party as she is for the Book Week parade.
Plan Early: Don’t wait until the night before. Order your costume well ahead of time to ensure you’re prepped, relaxed, and ready to shine at the Book Week parade.