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Welcome to the March Family Reading Guide! Winter is melting away (hopefully!), and signs of spring are starting to peek through. March is one of those in-between months. One day feels like winter, and the next brings a hint of sunshine and new life. It is the perfect time to cozy up with books that celebrate changing seasons, creativity, and a little bit of fun.
This month, we are kicking things off with Read Across America Day on March 2, a great excuse to dive into classic Dr. Seuss stories like Green Eggs & Ham and The Cat in the Hat. Then, we will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 with The St. Patrick’s Day Shillelagh, a meaningful story that goes beyond just leprechauns and lucky charms.
March also brings the first day of spring on March 20, and I can already picture the muddy boots and new buds popping up outside. Whether it still feels like winter where you live or spring is in full bloom, books like When Spring Comes and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt will help welcome the season.
There are some fun, unexpected holidays this month, too. We will mark World Cheese Day on March 27 with Anatole, a classic about a very sophisticated little mouse, and National Pencil and Crayon Days on March 30 and 31 with stories celebrating creativity, like The Crayon Man and When Pencil Met Eraser. With March Madness in full swing, it is also an excellent time for inspiring sports stories like Hoop Genius and Jump!
Of course, no reading guide is complete without a few timeless classics. This month’s picks include Make Way for Ducklings (because March is peak duckling season), Charlotte’s Web, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, and even a couple of American Girl birthday stories. For moms, Risen Motherhood and The Berlin Letters are excellent choices.
As always, this guide has books for every age and stage, from board books for your littlest readers to middle-grade adventures and read-alouds the whole family will love. Grab a cozy blanket (or maybe a raincoat since March is unpredictable), and let’s welcome a new season with great books.
Want to take this list to the library? Download the printable PDF here:
JUMP TO SECTION:
March Board Books
* Dr. Seuss's ABC by Dr. Seuss
* The Napping House by Audrey Wood
ABC Shapes by Ingela Peterson Arrhenius
Found: Psalm 23 by Sally Lloyd-Jones
What Are Ears For? by Abbey Wedgeworth
Seek & Find: More Old Testament Bible Stories by Sarah Parker
* Harold & The Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
The Very Hungry Caterpillar's First Spring by Eric Carle
Love by Emma Dodd
*Favorite
March Picture Books
Picture Books for Read Across America Day (March 2)
* Dr. Seuss Sleep Book by Dr. Seuss
* Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Seuss
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Suess
Picture Books for the First Day of Spring (March 20)
* Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes
Finding Spring by Carin Berger
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
Spring for Sophie by Yael Werber
Spring Parade by Camelia Kay
More March Picture Books
The St. Patrick's Day Shillelagh by Janet Nolan - St. Patrick's Day is March 17
* Anatole by Eve Titus - World Cheese Day is March 27
When Pencil Met Eraser by Kilpatrick & Ramos, Jr. - National Pencil Day is March 30
Linus the Little Yellow Pencil by Scott Magoon - National Pencil Day is March 30
Perfect by Max Amato - National Pencil Day is March 30
* The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow - National Crayon Day is March 31
* Hoop Genius by John Coy - March Madness
Jump! by Floyd Cooper - March Madness
Almost Time by Schmidt & Stickney
Sugar Snow by Laura Ingalls Wilder
* Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
* Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards by Emma Bland Smith
* The Story Book Knight by Helen Docherty
That Book Woman by Heather Henson
On the Corner of Chocolate Avenue by Tziporah Cohen
* The Sower by Scott James
Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer by Laura Wifler
* A Boy, a Mouse, and a Spider: The Story of E.B. White by Barbara Herkert
Zin, Zin, Zin, a Violin by Lloyd Moss
* If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen
A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portis
Towed By Toad by Jashar Awan
*Favorite
Want a closer look at some of these books?
Follow me on Instagram, where I occasionally share photos and flip-throughs of picture books that are featured on my lists.
March Early Readers & First Chapter Books (ages 5-7)
Here are some books for your emerging readers to enjoy during the month of March!
Note: These are listed in order of reading level, from beginner to advanced:
* Elephant And Piggie: Listen to My Trumpet by Mo Willems
Reading with help, simple sentences, repetition, and engaging dialogue for new readers.
* Elephant And Piggie: Happy Pig Day! by Mo Willems
Reading with help, simple sentences, repetition, and engaging dialogue for new readers.
* Elephant And Piggie: We Are in a Book! by Mo Willems
Reading with help, simple sentences, repetition, and engaging dialogue for new readers.
Duck, Duck, Dinosaur: Spring Smiles by Kallie George
My First I Can Read!, shared reading
Spring Surprises by Anna Jane Hays
Step Into Reading Step 2, reading with help, basic vocabulary, short sentences
Jump Shot by David Sabino
Ready to Read Level 2, longer sentences, simple characters, high-interest vocabulary words
* Henry & Mudge in Puddle Trouble by Cynthia Rylant
Ready to Read Level 2, longer sentences, simple characters, high-interest vocabulary words
* Penny and Her Sled by Kevin Henkes
Short chapters, simple sentences, and gentle storytelling for emerging readers
Cork & Fuzz: Spring Cleaning by Dori Chaconas
Level 3, transitional reader, multisyllable and compound words, different POV, complex storylines and characters
* Mr. Putter & Tabby Turn the Page by Cynthia Rylant
Level 3, reading independently, longer sentences, rich vocabulary, humorous stories for confident early readers
* Beak & Ally: Unlikely Friends by Norm Feuti
First graphic novel
* Pig & Goose and the First Day of Spring by Rebecca Bond
First chapter book
*Favorite
March Chapter Books (ages 6-9)
At this age, kids often love diving into series that keep the adventures going! Each month, I’ll highlight a few chapter book series to explore and enjoy. Here are some great options to hand your young readers any time of the year!
Adventures in Odyssey: The Imagination Station
If your kids love time travel adventures, this series is a great pick! Think Magic Tree House but with a Christian foundation. Each book takes kids on a historical adventure with a faith-based perspective.
Ranger in Time by Kate Messner
A time-traveling golden retriever who helps people in danger? Yes, please! This historical fiction series is perfect for young readers who love adventure and dogs. My boys love anything with animals, so this is a hit in our house. *Note: I have only personally read a couple of the books in this series, but they were wholesome. You may want to double-check the content considerations before handing them to your child.
Sydney & Taylor by Jacqueline Davies
A hedgehog and a skunk go on grand adventures together, and the result is pure charm. This series is funny, heartwarming, and perfect for kids transitioning to chapter books. If your child enjoys Mercy Watson or Owl Diaries, they will love Sydney and Taylor.
March Middle-Grade Books (ages 8-12)
Middle-Grade March is the perfect time to dive into unforgettable stories filled with adventure, heart, and history. Whether your reader loves fantasy, historical fiction, or classic tales, this month’s picks offer something for everyone. These books are great for independent reading or family read-alouds, and each one has a special place on our bookshelf.
The BFG by Roald Dahl
A whimsical classic about a big friendly giant, a brave little girl, and a world where dreams come to life. This one is filled with humor, heart, and just the right amount of Roald Dahl’s signature quirkiness.
Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen
This book won the Newbery Medal in 1957. It's a quiet and beautiful story that follows a family’s journey of healing in the countryside. With themes of hope, nature, and fresh starts, it’s a wonderful read for spring. See a very detailed review, including content considerations, at Plugged In.
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin
I read this book last month and absolutely loved it! This dual-POV historical adventure is packed with everything I love: code-breaking, spies, and the intrigue of WWII. Short chapters and constant cliffhangers made it impossible to put down, and the puzzle-solving aspect kept me engaged the whole way through. A fantastic mix of history and mystery that will keep young readers hooked! Content Consideration: a few instances of the Lord's name in vain. One "d*mn."
I recommend The Bletchley Riddle for older readers. Ages 12-16 will enjoy it most!
Happy Birthday, Felicity by Valerie Tripp
Happy Birthday, Kirsten by Janet Beeler Shaw
The American Girl books need no introduction. I'm planning to add a few of them to each month's reading guide.
March Family Read-Alouds
Heartwood Hotel: Better Together by Kallie George
This charming story follows Mona the mouse and her woodland friends at the Heartwood Hotel, where kindness and community are at the heart of every adventure. A cozy, feel-good read perfect for younger listeners.
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle always knows just how to fix children’s bad habits, often with hilarious and magical solutions. Full of laugh-out-loud moments, this is a fantastic read-aloud for all ages.
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
A true classic about friendship, love, and the beauty of simple moments. Whether it’s your first time reading it or a beloved reread, this is one of the most treasured read-alouds of all time. The full-cast audiobook version is also top-notch!
Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen
This book won the Newbery Medal in 1957. It's a quiet and beautiful story that follows a family’s journey of healing in the countryside. With themes of hope, nature, and fresh starts, it’s a wonderful read for spring. See a very detailed review, including content considerations, at Plugged In.
The Lighthouse Family by Cynthia Rylant
A gentle, beautifully told series about a family of animals who live in a lighthouse and help those in need. The short chapters and warm storytelling make this a perfect bedtime read for even the youngest listeners.
March Books for Mom
This month, for Middle-Grade March, I’m encouraging moms to revisit a book they loved when they were younger. There’s something so special about rereading a childhood favorite. It brings back memories, offers new insights, and reminds us why we fell in love with reading in the first place. If you need inspiration, think back to the books that shaped you, whether it was Nancy Drew, The American Girls, or Anne of Green Gables.
Risen Motherhood by Emily Jensen & Laura Wifler
A refreshing and gospel-centered look at motherhood that offers both encouragement and practical wisdom. Risen Motherhood is especially perfect for new moms or moms of many littles.The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay
A gripping historical novel filled with mystery, espionage, and personal discovery. If you love dual-timeline stories with depth and intrigue, this one is a must-read.The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
A chilling and atmospheric Sherlock Holmes mystery that is just as engaging today as when it was first published. A great pick if you’re in the mood for a classic.
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