The annual school tradition puts children and their parents through a tough grind but it’s all worth it in the end

Ahhh, the Australian book week parade: that annual school tradition that seems to come out of nowhere and has parents around the country up until 4am, glueing their fingers together, pounding papier-mache into a shapeless mess, and stapling one thing to another that it really shouldn’t be stapled to.

But the photos, often, are glorious: excited kids covered in paint and wearing amateur character costumes (err, hopefully non-offensive ones) that fill up a Facebook feed like it’s Halloween.

We asked you to send in your best and worst efforts, and you didn’t disappoint. Unfortunately we couldn’t fit them all here – but head to the Guardian Witness page to see all the submissions and to add your own.

Fantastic Mr Fox

Fantastic Mr. Fox My son Han in year 2, sporting my first attempt at paper mache and craft. Took me two afternoons. I'm pretty chuffed. Thank you YouTube and Lincraft.

Cruella DeVille from 101 Dalmations

Cruella DeVille 101 Dalmatians

Tintin and Snowy

Tintin and Snowy My daughter and her friend team up

Gypsy Danger from Pacific Ring

My son as Gypsy Danger MY son is ASD and usually dressup days are too stressful but this year he was exceptionally keen as long as he could go as a giant robot. We made it happen.

DIY Dalek from Doctor Who



My son Jascha when he was about 7 or 8 A Dalek from Doctor Who. I grew up on the early doctors and used to read my son the books at bedtime.

Rodrick Rules from Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Jules dressed as Roderick from Diary of a Wimpy Kid Jules my 8 year old dressed as Roderick from Diary of a Wimpy Kid





Willy Wonka from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Willy Wonka My sons last book week

Homemade Hellboy

Making mum make it! After many offers to buy my son any costume, he believes making it with mum is best, regardless of how bad I make it!! He has chosen to go as Hellboy 😳

Michael Jackson and Captain Underpants, aka the White Stripes

This is my favourite ever book week photo. My son (Captain Underpants) is wearing a plastic tablecloth and a some y-fronts, and my daughter told everyone she was dressed as Michael Jackson because of the gloves and sequins. The best part is my niece commenting on this photo and saying 'I just see the White Stripes'.

Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory