One for the Books
| February 25, 2025Step into the pages of your favorite books and bring them to life this Purim
Photography by Chaya Miller
Some of the book characters we grew up with are such classics that our children are now enjoying them. Step into the pages of your favorite ones and bring them to life this Purim. Whether you’re channeling the adventurous spirit of Paddington Bear, the endearing and humorous charm of Amelia Bedelia, the playful whimsy of the Mouse and his cookie, or the surprised caps salesman, these costumes are so simple to pull together.
Note: As always, these costumes are meant as inspiration, so definitely feel free to use any parts and pieces that are similar enough that you already have on hand.
Paddington Bear
With some bread and orange marmalade in his suitcase, and an extra sandwich stuffed under his hat “just in case,” Paddington Bear’s newest adventure is a visit to your hometown. Dressed in an unmistakable blue duffle coat, red hat, and inspired by Paddington’s love for travel, getting around this Purim will be a sweet experience.
You will need:
Red bucket hat
Blue duffle coat
Tan top or dress
Fur or tan pants (or tan skirt)
Red or yellow boots
Black face paint
Vintage suitcase (optional)
You Need to:
Paint an upside-down triangle on the tip of the child’s nose with the black face paint.
Amelia Bedelia
Just the mention of Amelia Bedelia brings a smile to most faces. Now imagine Amelia Bedelia, in all her quirkiness, walking into your house this Purim with one of her famous pies and those smiles will likely get even wider. There’s no better time than Purim for hilarious mix-ups!
You will need:
Black dress with white color and cuffs (see note)
White apron
Black tights
Black patent leather Mary Janes
Black colonial bonnet
Small flat yellow flowers
Orange wig (optional)
Hot glue gun and glue stick
You need to:
Hot glue the yellow flowers onto the bonnet.
Note: to achieve the same look as Amelia Bedelia, you can wear a white blouse under a black dress or under a black sweater paired with a black skirt.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk, so you may want to include both of those in your mishloach manos! Your whimsical and playful (if a bit demanding) mouse might even pause long enough to say cheese for your camera. Just be sure to have some prepared because that just might be his next request!
You will need:
Gray top
Denim overalls
Gray socks
Mouse ears, nose, and tail
Caps for Sale
A pile of colorful caps stacked high on his head, balanced to perfection, will get your cap peddler instant recognition. And with a mischievous monkey stealing those caps, from his perch up high, he’ll bring a chuckle to everyone he meets.
You will need:
White shirt
Plaid pants
Black blazer
Black bowtie
Adhesive mustache
Plaid flat cap
4-8 French berets
Stuffed monkey
Black shoes
Red spats
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
You need to:
Using the hot glue gun, glue the berets in a stack and put the monkey on top. Glue the stack of berets to the plaid flat cap.
(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 933)
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