Read Across America Costumes

National Read Across America Day was first celebrated on March 2, 1998. The National Education Association got together and planned the holiday as a way to make reading exciting for students. They chose Dr. Seuss’s birthday to honor one of the greatest children’s authors and keep fun a big part of the celebrations. Since then, teachers have been setting aside time every spring to remind their growing readers how important and, well, fun reading continues to be with a variety of activities.

From guest readers to book fairs and read-aloud events to full-on class parties, there are countless ways to encourage reading all year! And, with some of the epic characters that have been created in the most popular kid's books, you know that there are plenty of opportunities to help make reading even more fun! When you shop our selection of Read Across America costumes, you’ll find inspiration for your next celebration!

This year instead of doing a simple reading of Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat, invite the Cat in the Hat to read their own story! With Cat in the Hat costumes for toddlers, kids, and adults there are plenty of ways for that silly cat to make an appearance. Let a student volunteer don the tall red and white hat. Ask a parent to fill the sleek black coat. Or keep the fun for yourself and fully transform into Dr. Seuss’s best-known character.

Encourage young readers to become one of their favorite book characters! Maybe they love the rhyming drama of Llama Llama and those classic red pajamas. Perhaps they’ll choose Curious George instead—his clever ways and wild adventures are sure to inspire a love of reading. And of course, there’s everyone’s favorite cool-cat, Pete. If you have a costume day for Read Across America, we can almost guarantee you’ll see at least one Pete the Cat costume, complete with his four groovy buttons.

You won’t have to search long to find a Where’s Waldo costume that’s right for your Read Across America plans. We have costumes for everyone, baby to adult, that bring that adventurous wanderer out of hiding. If you’re looking to bring more characters forward, that grumpy old Grinch will be happy to join your reading party too.

From classic Dr. Seuss characters like Thing 1 and Thing 2 to the newest craze like Baby Shark and all their family members, there’s a Read Across America Costume for you and your young readers. Whether you choose to celebrate with Clifford the Big Red Dog or a very hungry caterpillar, our selection of costumes will have you ready for all the joys of reading. So, give us a look and find all the inspiration you need to turn your Read Across America Day celebration into an event no one will be able to forget!