Geelong Advertiser’s Book Week costume competition find its winners

The best Book Week costumes in Geelong for 2023 have been revealed following a subscriber vote. See who made the top 10.

Geelong Lutheran College mother, Keziah Halliwell, has been burning the midnight oil making Book Week costumes from her sons James, left, and Henry. Picture: Alison Wynd

Little book worm Jack Darrington has been crowned the king of book week, winning The Geelong Advertiser’s best costume competition.

The Boorai Centre kindergarten pupil didn’t have to think twice when told he would have to dress up as his favourite characterto mark book week recently.

Jack, 4, has loved Jack and the Beanstalk since he first started reading books with his mum and dad.

Mum Kirsty Darrington said the family, from Ocean Grove, had three different versions of the classic tale, and usually readthe story twice a day.

She said sharing the name with the book’s central character was only one of the reasons Jack loved the fairytale so much.

“He loves re-enacting the giant and saying – ‘Fee-fi-fo-fum’,” Ms Darrington said.

Jack’s costume, popularly voted as the best entered in the competition, was lovingly made by Ms Darrington and Jack’s nanna,Carolyn Darrington.

His pants and cap came from the op-shop, while the vest was sewn from a flannelette shirt.

The stalk was constructed from a pool noodle and the golden egg made from a Kinder Surprise chocolate.

“He was so excited to wear his costume and so excited to win,” Ms Darrington said.

“He just wanted to keep looking at his photo and all the other costumes.”

Second place went to Lakai, 4, from Newtown as Lightning McQueen from Cars.

Coa, 7, from Steiglitz, dressed as Thelma from Scooby Doo.

Geelong’s best Book Week costumes revealed

Students across Geelong donned their best literary costumes, and the top ten best Book Week costumes for 2023 have been decided.

The Geelong Advertiser called on its readers to submit entries, showing off their kids’ Book Week looks.

From wizards and their owl companions, to trains and cars, there were looks to please any book fan.

After a subscriber poll, whcih garnered 190 votes, the reader picks for the best costumes have been finalised.

In first place was Jack, 4, who dressed as Jack and the Beanstalk - complete with beanstalk and golden egg - who got 18 per cent of the vote.

Jack, 4, who dressed as Jack and the Beanstalk has won the Geelong Addy’s best Book Week costume competition. Picture: Supplied

Second place went to Lakai, 4, from Newtown as Lightning McQueen, who scored 11 per cent of the vote.

Coa, 7, from Steiglitz took out third place with eight per cent of the vote, dressed as Thelma.

Lakai, 4, from Newtown took out second place. Picture: Supplied

Coa, 7, from Steiglitz placed in third. Picture: Supplied

The remainder of the top ten included: Brax, 8, from Drysdale as The Lorax; Adara, 9, from Steiglitz as Hedwig; Rupert, six months old, as Peter Rabbit; Lawson, 6, from Geelong as Thomas the Tank Engine; Sonny, 7, as Paddington; Tori, 5, from Waurn Ponds as Barbie; and

Tyler, 5, from Norlane as Harry Potter.

There was strong competition from around the region, with close to 50 entries submitted.

Mum for sale

Geelong Lutheran College mother Keziah Halliwell wasn't thrilled at her youngest Henry's choice of book Mum for Sale for the Book Week parade.

But ever obliging, Ms Halliwell has been working round -the-clock making costumes for Henry, 6, and older son James, 11.

While Henry will dress as the penguin from Zanni Louise and Philip Bunting’s picture book, James will dress-up as Hush Hush from the book The Dragon on the Train by Ben Brooks.

Thousands of primary school pupils across the region have been getting into character this week ahead of annual book parades.

The Geelong Advertiser will be running a best costume competition, with parents able to submit photos which readers have a chance to vote on.

The Addy will also be visiting schools across the region and taking pictures of Book Week parades.

Enter the competition by filling out the form below - entries will close at 11.59pm August 25.

Readers are invited to vote for who they think had the best costume through the poll below.

Voting will be open until 11.59pm August 27, with the winner announced on August 28.

Originally published as Geelong Advertiser’s Book Week costume competition find its winners