I've had two letters home from school asking for a costume this week for World Book Day which is just next Thursday, March 5th. Like every other Mum in the land, I'm wracking my brains to think of something for them to go as.

World Book Day is a great way to bring literature to life for kids and really get them thinking about the stories they have enjoyed.

It's quite a good idea to try and go with a costume they will use again so anything Victorian is perfect. Your son can go as Oliver and your daughter can go as the Little Dorit or anything by E Nesbitt. The school is bound to spring a Victorian Day on you sometime soon so you can use the costumes again.

Similarly Roman/Viking/Tudor Days are getting more and more popular so why not try out a Horrible Histories look for World Book Day with a view to marching the legions to school in the same outfit then.

Children often have favourite book characters who simply don't have an existing costume you can buy. It's amazing how many accessories are out there so favourites like the Big Friendly Giant can be created using Giant Ears very inexpensively and to great effect.

World Book Day is getting bigger every year as more and more schools get involved, but it needn't be a chore or an expense and it's a great opportunity to have fun with your kids.