The Best New Children’s & YA Books of March
by the Brightly Editors
Prepare to fall in love with these exciting new books for children and teens! Spring has arrived, and with it, beautiful new books to read! Whether you’re looking for an educational picture book to read with a child or a fast-paced novel for tweens and teens, you’ll find several excellent options. Here are the best new books of the month.
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Picture Books
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Papilio
Available from:Three children’s creators join forces to create a one-of-a-kind picture book about a butterfly’s life cycle. Papilio is a caterpillar who transforms into a butterfly and must adjust to her new life with wings. From eating and flying to avoiding predators, Papilio faces challenges and makes friends along the way. This charming story is told in three parts and is the perfect next read for fans of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
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Wind Watchers
Available from:Journey through the seasons with a young family in this stunning picture book from Caldecott Honor winner Micha Archer. From breezy summer winds to the biting chill of winter gusts, readers will learn all about wind and seasons in this beautiful book.
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The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn's Great Big Wish
Available from:The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn tried wishing on shooting stars and wishbones, but his desire to be big never came true. Now, the Teeny-Weeny Unicorn is determined to find something smaller than himself. His wish gets granted in an unexpected way — by becoming a big brother. Kids will love the newest addition to this rib-tickling picture book series!
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Tori and the Muses
Available from:When Tori’s dad insists she practices a new piano piece for her recital, she resists. But with encouragement from eleven muses and the help of her magical piano, Tori makes an important discovery about herself, her dad, and where inspiration comes from. This beautiful book is perfect for any young musician or creative person.
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Lawrence & Sophia: Big & Bold
Available from:Lawrence and Sophia are best friends and do everything together. But when a new friend turns their duo into a trio, Sophia suddenly feels left out. This humorous and charming story tackles friendship triangles — a topic relatable to most kids.
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Home
Available from:The creative team that brought us the bestselling picture book Love returns with a companion book about the true meaning of home. Matt de la Peña’s lyrical text combines with Loren Long’s detailed illustrations to deliver a heartfelt story celebrating the joys of home — wherever you are.
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A Vaisakhi to Remember
Available from:Introduce your young reader to the traditional Sikh spring harvest festival, Vaisakhi. After moving to a new city in a different country, a young girl worries that Vaisakhi won’t be special. However, as her family prepares for the festival and makes friends in their new neighborhood, she realizes this will be the best Vaisakhi yet.
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Echo
Preorder from:Junior expects everyone to agree with him because they always do. So, when a girl moves in next door who disagrees with him, he thinks she is rude. Hoping for constant validation, Junior runs away to a valley where he can be alone with his echo. But being alone with someone who only validates and never challenges him proves more difficult than expected. With humor and heart, this picture book delivers a valuable lesson in acceptance and appreciating new perspectives.
(On sale: 3/18/2025)
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Nellie's Big Splash
Preorder from:From the New York Times bestselling creator of The Rabbit Listened and Ready to Soar comes a beautiful new book about facing your fears. Nellie is a baby sea turtle that just hatched from her nest. While her brothers and sisters race for the ocean, Nellie hangs back, unable to conquer her fear of the water. But as night falls, Nellie realizes that survival, hope, and excitement await under the crashing waves.
(On sale: 3/25/2025)
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This Is a Moment
Preorder from:Celebrate your child’s milestones with this gift-worthy picture book. Colorful illustrations and spare text recognize and acknowledge the significant moments in a child’s life, from enjoying a sunny day to conquering stage fright. This sweet book commemorates the experiences that make life beautiful.
(On sale: 3/25/2025)
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Chapter Books & Middle Grade
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Speak Up, Santiago!
Available from:Adventure and friendship await readers inside this graphic novel. Santiago is excited to spend the summer in Hillside Valley and quickly makes friends with the other kids. However, Santiago can’t speak Spanish well and worries it will be a roadblock to enjoying his summer. This full-color graphic novel will resonate with any kid who has struggled to fit in with their peers.
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A Song for You and I
Available from:This cozy fantasy graphic novel brings romantasy (romance/fantasy) to a younger generation of readers. When his horse gets injured, Rowan’s plans of becoming a ranger get put on hold. Assigned to an inferior role in the kingdom, Rowan finds themself on a meandering expedition and butting heads with a sheepherder named Leone. But as the two grow closer, Rowan must decide between their budding romance and a fast-paced life as a ranger.
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Max Meow 6: When Pancakes Go Bad (Really Bad!)
Available from:Graphic novel lovers will want to get their paws on the latest Max Meow book. Evil pancakes overrun Kittyopolis just as every villain in the city’s history joins forces. Max Meow and his friends must put their heads and superpowers together to defeat the villains and save breakfast once and for all.
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The Green Kingdom
Preorder from:Caspia doesn’t want to spend the entire summer in Brooklyn, NY. However, when she discovers a bundle of old letters filled with clues about various plants, she embarks on an unforgettable adventure filled with mystery and friendship. This beautiful book from the bestselling author of Inkheart is perfect for kids who enjoy plants, magic, and exploring.
(On sale: 4/1/2025)
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Young Adult
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Dear Manny
Available from:College politics takes center stage in this finale of the bestselling Dear Martin series. Jared, a progressive white boy, feels he has a good chance of winning Junior Class President. However, a new competitor shows up and points out how he’s falling short of being the leader the school needs. Jared starts writing to his deceased friend, Manny, to help sort out his thoughts and feelings.
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The Scorpion and the Night Blossom
Available from:Desperate to save her dying mother, Àn’yīng makes the treacherous journey to the immortal realm to compete in the Immortality Trials. But with the odds stacked against her and evil forces lurking beneath the surface of the realm, Àn’yīng has little chance of winning. A budding romance with a mysterious boy could be the key to success or failure for both Àn’yīng and the realm.
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While We're Young
Available from:Best friends Grace, Isla, and Everett plan an epic skip day in this YA novel for fans of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. As the three friends enjoy an epic day in Philadelphia, Grace’s brother, James, does everything he can to catch up to them. Friendship, secrets, and a humorous cat-and-mouse game ensue in this charming story!
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When the Bones Sing
Available from:Dovie can hear the bones of deceased people singing. When hikers start going missing near her Arkansas town, Dovie uses her gift to help the police find their bones. However, when she learns that the spirits of the missing hikers are haunting her friend Lo, the two teens set off into the mountains to look for answers. This chilling YA fantasy delivers the perfect blend of magic and mystery.
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A Catalog of Burnt Objects
Preorder from:When her estranged brother returns home, Caprice wants nothing more than to piece her family back together. But as she navigates healing that relationship, first love, and college aspirations, a wildfire threatens to destroy her beloved California town. This heartbreaking and moving novel is a must-read.
(On sale: 3/18/2025)
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