Phoenix P-12 Community College  was one of dozens of schools that welcomed students (and some staff) dressed as their favourite book or film characters to get the week started. 

Did your child dress up? Send us your photos to cos@thecourier.com.au.

There were Harry Potters and Hermione Grangers, Disney legends like Snow White, superheroes, and even cheeky minions running about. 

English extensions program coordinator Jade Browning – dressed as the golden snitch – said 

“They get dressed up because it gives them a chance to be creative and explore book week through their love of book characters and film characters,” she said. 

“It’s not just about students that read books, it’s about students that watch films and get something out of them, and it’s just a chance to celebrate that.” 

Lady Macbeth guided villains, heroes, princesses and a variety of animals to dance their way to a prize. 

Beyond the senior and primary gongs, best dance and best onesie were also awarded. 

Before his big win in the primary category prep Toby Knight had some reading to do. 

When asked if he knew the book Charlie and Chocolate Factory, he said he was more familiar with the 2005 film. 

“It’s a movie, actually,” he said. 

The senior winner, year 12 student Talahna Cook, also got her outfit from a film. 

“I’m Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas,” she said. 

Were people picking it? 

“If they’ve seen the movie they do,” she said. 

Her blue-green skin and stitches raised a few eyebrows outside the character parade, and her colourful dress and real stitches made her a worthy champion. 

Toby had not seen the Tim Burton film – and so didn’t know Sally was friendly –  and was wary of Dr Finklestein’s creation. 

Ms Browning said they were on the right track with the activities. 

“Every year it gets bigger and bigger. Last year we only had the senior campus involved, and this year we’ve got the primary campus involved (as well),” she said, after being caught in-character by a seeker in an impromptu two-person round of Quidditch.  

“They’ve had their fashion parade over there (in the primary school) and sent over their top seven. It’s really good they all get involved.” 

The activities will continue until Friday, when the final of the Quidditch tournament will take place, possibly setting one team on the road to the World Cup. 

National Book Week is organised by Children's Book Council of Australia  and will run until Friday, August 28.