Play Basket
Dress-Up Story Time
A basket of costumes and props that brings beloved stories to life through pretend play.
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Dress-up story time is the activity I reach for when the afternoon starts to fall apart. A scarf, a crown, and a book we already love, and suddenly nobody is fighting over anything.
We read one page and then act it out. My son insists on being every animal, my daughter narrates with a very serious voice, and the story stretches out for twice as long as it should.
The basket sits by the reading corner so they can go back to it alone. Some of my favorite moments are the ones I only overhear.
What you'll need
- A few simple costumes or accessories
- Silk scarves, crowns, or animal ears
- A favorite picture book
- Small props mentioned in the story
- A cozy reading corner
How to make it
- 1
Choose a story and gather related props and costumes.
- 2
Read the book together in a cozy spot.
- 3
Invite your child to act out scenes as you read.
- 4
Let them retell the story in their own words with the props.
Tip
Fill the basket with versatile pieces rather than full costumes. A single silk scarf can be a dress, a cape, a veil, a river or a royal cloak, so one item opens up dozens of stories. Keep the basket within reach so children can return to the story on their own.
One more dress-up idea
If the scarves were the favorite part of the basket, a basket of play silks takes the same idea further.
Explore the play silk basket →
One piece of silk, endless costumes and landscapes.
My recommended picture books
These are the books we come back to again and again. They all have clear characters and big feelings, which makes them wonderful for dressing up, acting out, and retelling with puppets.
The Rabbit Listened
Cori Doerrfeld · Ages 3-7
A gentle story about how listening helps more than advice.
The Boy and the Bear
Tracey Corderoy · Ages 3-6
A warm friendship story about making room for someone new.
Tom's Magnificent Machines
Linda Sarah · Ages 4-7
An inventor dad and a son who learns to see the magic in what he builds.
On Sudden Hill
Linda Sarah · Ages 4-7
A beautiful story about friendship, jealousy, and making space for three.
Just Right for Two
Tracey Corderoy · Ages 3-6
A lonely dog learns that treasures are better when shared.
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