How to make Book Week less stressful

Feel like Book Week sneaks up on you every year?

Well, fear not! This year, you’re getting ahead of the game.

By starting to think about it now, you can take the drama out of Book Week, which takes place 16 - 23 August this year.  

Read on for five things you can do now to avoid Book Week stress. Not only will these tips help you keep your cool once the festivities kick off, but they’ll also free up the mental space for you and your family to remember the intention behind Book Week: celebrating books and the magic of reading!

5 ways to make Book Week less stressful

1. Start the conversation

The best way to ensure smooth sailing during Book Week is to start talking about it now. No parent likes being blindsided by a crazy costume request the night before a book parade, so getting the gears turning now is key.

In addition to helping everyone set expectations regarding Book Week plans and costumes, talking about it ahead of time can remind young readers why we celebrate this fun-filled in the first place.

While the celebrations and costumes are lots of fun, it’s all about celebrating the magic of books.

A few discussion points to get kids thinking about Book Week:

• Book Week turns 80 this year! In honour of this legacy, tell your kids about your favourite Book Week memories, then ask about theirs.
• This year’s Book Week theme is ‘Book and Adventure’. What kind of adventures would your young one want to take? Find a book to read together that will take them on this adventure – whether it’s becoming a netball star, opening a zany restaurant or visiting a magical library!
• Have discussions about your child’s favourite books. Which characters do they like and why? Start thinking about how you make a costume for this character.
• Talk about last year’s Book Week. What were the highlights and what could be better this year?
• Start a discussion about authors. Research some fun facts about the authors behind your child’s favourite books.
• Ask your child about writing. If they were an author, what would they write a book about?

2. Set a calendar reminder a few weeks

This week, Book Week runs from 16 – 23 August. To save yourself a mad dash later, set a calendar reminder a few weeks out reminding you that Book Week is coming up.

When you get that notification, take a minute to start sorting out the logistics:

• Ask your child whether they have any costume ideas in mind
• Start thinking about ways you could use items you already have to create a costume
• Check if there are any updates from the school about how Book Week will be celebrated
• Make a list of any supplies you need and plan when you’ll get any last-minute materials (there’s nothing worse than realising you need to make a late-night run to the shops for glue sticks!)

3. Brainstorm and re-read favourite books

As you get closer to Book Week, take this opportunity to revisit your child’s favourite books.

Not only is this a great way to help cement your child’s costume idea (without feeling you’re forcing them to ‘just pick something already’!) but it is also a excuse to find the time to read together.

Who knows – your pre-Book Week reading might just turn into a new routine.

Whether you read the books before bed, on the weekends or listen on audiobook while driving to school, this is the perfect time to encourage a love of reading.

4. Sort out costumes now

Now that you’ve revisited your child’s favourite books, thought about how you can use what you already have on-hand to make a costume and set the stage for appreciating this year’s Book Week theme, it’s time for the fun part! The costume.

And yes, without the stress of rushing, making a Book Week costume can indeed be fun.

Gather any bits and bobs you already have at home, which could be part of the costume. Solid coloured shirts and tights go a long way in creating a base layer, and cardboard is the perfect affordable solution for any extravagant props or accessories.

If you still need to buy something to complete the look, go in with a plan. Whether you need a few sequins or pair of cat ears, knowing what you need before you start shopping can save a lot of time, energy and money.

The best costumes are made in the details, so take a close look at any illustrations or book cover art to see if there are references you can incorporate to take the costume to the next level. For example, complete an Emma Memma costume with butterfly barrettes or pull off a Greg Heffley aesthetic by adding a backpack to the outfit.

5. Get ahead of any anxious feelings

As much fun as Book Week is, it can be a source of anxiety for some kids.

Even if your child is thrilled by the idea of dressing up and parading their costume around the school, fear can creep up during the lead-up to Book Week.

Have a candid conversation with your child before Book Week to check in with their feelings: Are they excited about Book Week? Feeling a little nervous? Do they have mixed feelings?

Some kids would rather not participate in Book Week, so if that’s something your child expresses, make sure to listen and understand where those feelings are coming from.  Research advice for supporting a child who’s anxious about Book Week and be flexible about how they might choose to celebrate.

 Even if your child chooses not to take part in Book Week festivities, you can nevertheless use the week to talk about the magic of books and enjoy reading together.

Book week costume ideas