World Book Day is one of the few days of the year when children can abandon their usual school uniform and get creative with their outfits.
With trends coming and going, celebrity children have continued to surprise us with their costumes. Josie Gibson’s son’s Where’s Wally outfit in 2025 to Gemma Atkinson’s daughter Mia’s Elsa dress in 2022 stand out as memorable past looks. So what does 2026 have in store for us?
Some of our favourite celebrities, including Myleene Klass and Helen Skelton, have been sharing photos of their excitable family breakfasts and school runs as their children proudly model their favourite book characters. Join us as we look at the cutest photos…
© InstagramAshley James
“The kiddies have been SO excited about their outfits. I’m not sure why it looks like I took these on a Nokia 3210, but I wanted to share anyway!” Ashley James joked next to a handful of mildly blurry photos of her son Alfie and daughter Ada sitting on the breakfast table.
Dressed as Paddington Bear, Alfie had a red bucket hat, matching wellington boots and a blue jacket on as he sat next to his sister, who embodied a mini Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz in a blue checked dress, red shoes and even adorable bows in her hair.
© InstagramStacey Solomon
Stacey Solomon’s daughters Rose and Belle couldn’t hide their delight as they showed off their cute Red Riding Hood and Matilda costumes, including matching sparkly ballet pumps! The Loose Women star admitted she hasn’t put her DIY skills to rest yet, as she is still tasked with creating a Diary of a Wimpy Kid outfit for her son Rex.
© InstagramMyleene Klass
Embracing the theatrics of the day, Myleene Klass’ son Hero raced around their kitchen on a scooter in his purple jacket, floral waistcoat, bow tie and top hat. If that wasn’t proof enough of his Willy Wonka costume, he also had props such as a Wonka Bar and a golden ticket to complete his outfit.
© InstagramHelen Skelton
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory proved to be popular in 2026, with Helen Skelton also revealing her son Louis wore a version of the costume – complete with cream printed trousers! His sister Elsie lived out her Disney Princess dreams in a blue Elsa dress from Frozen, adding a long blonde plait for good measure.
© InstagramRebecca Adlington
Despite only giving birth to her daughter, Thea, days earlier, Rebecca Adlinton made sure her eldest children were prepared for the occasion. Summer looked cool in a pink hoodie and a denim skirt as a character from the Dork Diaries, while Albie committed to his Gruffalo costume in a onesie.
© InstagramLucy Mecklenburgh
Posing in the sunshine on their doorstep, Lucy Mecklenburgh’s kids revealed they take World Book Day seriously in their household! Her son, Roman, was a convincing Harry Potter with a scar on his head and Hedwig the owl on his shoulder, while her daughter, Lilah, was Angelina the Ballerina in a pink tutu and mouse ears.