Goodreads Top 5 Wednesday 22.2

Top 5 Wednesday is hosted by a group of the same name on Goodreads, where a prompt is shared each week inviting participants to share their top 5 books that fit the prompt. This week’s prompt is “Book Characters I Would Dress Up As.”

Top 5 Book Characters I Would Dress Up As

1. Nancy Drew from The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene, et al.

I’ve done this for work a couple of times. Since there are multiple iterations of Nancy Drew, it’s easy enough to just pick an era or something iconic from any of the decades her books were published in, grab a magnifying glass, and carry a bag marked “Detective Kit.” I usually go for the 50s/60s version with a long plaid skirt, sweater, and matching headband.

2. Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

This is another that I’ve done a few times! Anne takes a little more effort than Nancy Drew, but not a ton. Thick stockings, vintage-looking work boots, and a floral vest over plain long sleeves with a matching plain skirt (usually something like khaki) make a decent outfit, and two braids completes the look. If my hands are free I’ll carry a few old books and a few fake flowers as well.

3. Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Katniss has become a classic choice for book characters to dress up as. I haven’t done so yet, but I’ve considered it. There’s a couple different ways this one could go: dark and comfortable hunting gear with a bow all the way to elaborate ball gowns. I’ve seen at least one person add fairylights to a skirt to emulate the famous fire gown; I think, if I had enough time, I would like to do something like that.

4. Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

Nothing said that it had to be a human character…and I’m pretty sure the kids who come into the library would love this! It would be pretty simple too: brown shirt, overalls, and mouse ears on a headband should do it.

5. Violet Frell from Once I Knew by Victoria Lynn

As a brand-new indie book, this character would not be as recognizable, but that also means there is a bit more creative license available. This costume would probably be the most time-intensive to prepare. It would probably be best to make this costume entirely by hand; perhaps start with a plain vintage-style dress and apron, something along the lines of Cinderella’s rags, and make it look well-worn. Pockets would be a must, plus a token representing the King’s seal to “accidentally” drop from time to time.

Are you dressing up as a book character for anything this year? I’m not really planning on it, but I am allowed to dress up at work on Monday if I want to, and the Nancy Drew outfit I put together last year was so easy…we’ll see when the time comes!

Until the next chapter,

Jana