One of the most delightful and imaginative costumes for kids or themed events is the Room on the Broom costume. Inspired by the beloved children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this costume brings to life the whimsical characters from the story. Whether for Halloween, a school play, or a book week celebration, the Room on the Broom costume offers endless possibilities for creativity and fun. From the kind-hearted witch to her animal friends, each character can be recreated with simple materials and a touch of theatrical charm.
Choosing the Right Character
The beauty of a Room on the Broom costume is that it doesn’t have to be limited to just one character. The story features a witch and her four animal companions, each with distinct traits and appearances. This offers flexibility, especially for group costumes or family events.
Main Characters from the Story
- The Witch: With her tall black hat, long cape, and broomstick, the witch is the central figure. Her warm personality and willingness to share make her a favorite choice.
- The Cat: Often riding at the front of the broom, the cat is sleek and loyal. A cat costume can be simple with ears, a tail, and face paint.
- The Dog: The dog adds a playful element to the group. A floppy-eared hat or onesie can bring this character to life.
- The Bird: Bright feathers and wings make the bird costume colorful and eye-catching.
- The Frog: Wearing green and hopping along, the frog brings energy and humor to the ensemble.
Each of these characters can be tailored for toddlers, children, or even adults. The idea is to keep the costume recognizable but comfortable and appropriate for the occasion.
DIY Witch Costume Essentials
Creating the witch costume is often the starting point for a Room on the Broom theme. Luckily, this outfit can be assembled at home using common clothing items and accessories.
Items You’ll Need
- A black pointed hat – This is iconic and can be bought or made using cardboard and fabric.
- A purple dress or long top – In the story, the witch wears a purple outfit. Use a dress or tunic with leggings or tights underneath.
- A black cape – Easily made with black fabric and ribbon for tying around the neck.
- Striped tights or socks – Red and yellow stripes add a storybook flair.
- A broomstick – A lightweight plastic broom or even a stick with raffia attached will work well.
Don’t forget to use face paint to draw on a friendly witch’s nose, freckles, or rosy cheeks. A wig with a long braid or simply tying natural hair with a ribbon can replicate the witch’s hairstyle from the book.
Costume Ideas for the Animal Friends
If more than one person is dressing up, assigning different animal characters from Room on the Broom can be a delightful way to bring the story to life. These animal costumes can be as simple or elaborate as needed, depending on time and budget.
Cat Costume
- Black or dark gray outfit – A onesie, jumpsuit, or hoodie and pants set works well.
- Cat ears headband – These can be bought or made with felt and a headband.
- Tail – Attach a black tail to the pants with Velcro or safety pins.
- Whiskers – Drawn with eyeliner or face paint.
Dog Costume
- Brown or tan clothing – Use soft, comfortable materials for easy wear.
- Dog ears – Made from felt and attached to a headband.
- Face paint – A nose and tongue can be drawn to mimic a happy pup.
Bird Costume
- Brightly colored top and pants – Feathers can be added with glue or sewn on.
- Wings – Made from felt or fabric, attached to the arms with elastic bands.
- Beak – A yellow cone made from paper or foam can be worn on the nose or forehead.
Frog Costume
- Green hoodie and pants – Comfortable and suitable for movement.
- Frog eyes – Large eyes made from foam balls or cardboard on a headband.
- Webbed feet – Optional, made from felt and worn over shoes.
Each of these animal costumes can be enhanced with storytelling props like a bone, a hat, or a ribbon, depending on the part of the story being portrayed.
Group and Family Costumes
A Room on the Broom theme is especially fun for families or school groups. Assigning each member a different character brings out the team spirit and allows for a memorable costume experience.
Coordinating the Look
To make the group look cohesive:
- Stick to the color palette of the book – rich purples, browns, blacks, greens, and yellows.
- Keep the broomstick central – If possible, carry or build a prop broom large enough to pose with together.
- Add a printed or hand-drawn sign with the title Room on the Broom for easy recognition at events.
Photos taken with the full group in costume can be fantastic for school yearbooks, party albums, or themed content on social media.
Buying vs. Making the Costume
While many people enjoy crafting their costumes, others may prefer purchasing a ready-made outfit for convenience. Both options have their benefits.
Advantages of Making It Yourself
- Customization – Tailor the size, colors, and comfort levels to your needs.
- Budget-friendly – Often cheaper using clothes and items you already have.
- Creative satisfaction – Involving children in the making process can be a fun bonding activity.
When Buying Is Better
- Time-saving – Especially when preparing for last-minute events.
- Professional finish – Store-bought costumes often have more polished details.
- Durability – Useful for costumes that need to be worn multiple times.
Whether you make or buy, the most important thing is that the costume is comfortable and enjoyable for the person wearing it.
Final Touches and Accessories
To complete the look and bring the Room on the Broom world to life, consider adding small props and extras.
- A plush dragon – Represents the villain from the story and adds a fun twist.
- A bag of magic items – Add pretend potions, a wand, or a spell book to the witch’s costume.
- A sound track or voice recording – Reciting parts of the book can add charm to a performance or event.
The Room on the Broom costume is a creative and magical option for children and adults alike. With a little imagination, it’s easy to bring the story to life through costume, accessories, and shared excitement. Whether crafting a witch’s hat at home or coordinating a full group of animal friends, this costume theme offers a delightful blend of storytelling, costume play, and fun. Perfect for themed events, Halloween, or book-related occasions, it captures the joy of reading and dressing up in the most enchanting way.