Kids Highway Rat Costume - Julia Donaldson Book Week Outfit
DELIVERY
- Dispatch: Within 24 Hours
- Registered & Express Post for ALL Orders.
- Pick up is available.
- Easy 14 days returns and exchanges
RETURNS
If you do not like the product you can return it within 14 days - no questions asked. This excludes stockings, gloves, swimwear and clearance sale items. We have an easy and hassle-free return policy. Please look at our Delivery & Returns section for further information.
PRODUCT DETAILS
What's in the Box
- Black satin-look cape with stand collar and gold medallion badge
- White ruffled shirt bib with jabot detail
- Purple and black striped elastic-waist trousers
- Tricorn hat with gold braid trim and white feather plume
- Grey rat mask with prominent front teeth and black eye-mask detail
- Foam sword prop
This Kids Highway Rat Costume brings Julia Donaldson's swashbuckling bandit to life for Book Week or World Book Day. Your child steps into the role of the notorious highwayman rat who robs travellers with his "stand and deliver!" catchphrase — complete with tricorn hat, flowing cape, and the character's signature rat mask.
The cape has a structured stand collar and drapes dramatically over the shoulders, paired with a white ruffled shirt front that captures the 18th-century highwayman aesthetic. Purple-and-black striped trousers add the storybook flair, while the grey rat mask with its prominent teeth and black eye detail is instantly recognisable to fans of the book. Lightweight foam sword completes the look without playground safety worries.
Perfect For
Book Week & World Book Day: A standout pick for Julia Donaldson character parades, storybook villain dress-up days, or any literature-themed school event celebrating beloved picture books.
School Performances & Nativity Plays: Works beautifully for classroom story re-enactments, drama performances, or library week activities where kids bring favourite characters to the stage.
Halloween & Dress-Up Play: The highwayman theme makes it versatile for Halloween trick-or-treating, pirate parties, or everyday imaginative play at home.
How to Wear It
Pair with black boots or comfortable dark shoes — the cape and mask do the heavy lifting. Hat sits securely with internal band; mask elastic adjusts for most head sizes. Layer over a black long-sleeve top if the classroom's chilly.
Parent FAQs
What size should I order?
Check the size chart for chest and height measurements. The elastic-waist trousers and cape overlay give you flexibility — if your child is between sizes, we'd go with the larger for longer wear and layering room.
Can they wear this over regular clothes?
Yes — the cape, bib front, and trousers layer easily over a dark shirt and leggings. The mask and hat are quick on-and-off, handy for kindy photos or costume parades.
How do I wash this? Is the fabric durable?
Spot-clean the satin cape and mask with a damp cloth. The trousers and shirt bib can handle a gentle cold wash — air dry to keep the ruffles looking crisp.
Is this suitable for Book Week if they haven't read the book?
Absolutely — The Highway Rat is a Julia Donaldson classic, widely read in Australian schools and kindy. Teachers and parents will recognise the character instantly, and it's a great prompt to read the book together before the day.
Care: Spot-clean cape and mask; gentle cold wash for trousers and bib, air dry.
SHIPPING & RETURNS
Returns Policy
We have a 14-day return policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at sales@kidsbookweekcostumes.com.au.
If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return form, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
Shipping
We offer Flat Rates $9.8 for Registered Post or $14.8 for Express Post within Australia.