March is packed with fun and meaningful national days, and what better way to celebrate than with picture books? No matter the grade you teach, picture books bring joy, spark curiosity, and create unforgettable learning moments. As a 5th-grade teacher, I believe picture books belong in every classroom. They foster deep discussions, encourage creativity, and engage even the most reluctant readers.
I’ve put together a list of must-read picture books that align with March’s special days. These books will help you connect literacy with real-world celebrations, making learning fun and relevant. Plus, I have a special freebie for you—keep reading!
March National Days & Picture Books to Inspire Learning
📚 March 1 – National Pig Day
Piglette by Katelyn Aronson – A charming piglet travels to Paris to find her purpose and discovers that being true to herself is the most beautiful thing of all.
📚 March 4 – National Grammar Day
A Boy Like You by Frank Murphy and Kayla Harren – This empowering book encourages boys to use their words wisely, be kind, and embrace their unique strengths.
📚 March 5 – National Day of Unplugging
Unplugged by Steve Antony – Blip, a little robot, discovers the wonders of the outside world when she accidentally unplugs from technology.
📚 March 8 – International Women’s Day
She Persisted Around the World by Chelsea Clinton – A powerful collection of stories about incredible women who changed history through perseverance and courage.
📚 March 9 – National Meatball Day
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett – A whimsical tale about a town where food falls from the sky, sparking imagination and laughter.
📚 March 12 – National Plant a Flower Day
What’s Inside a Flower? by Rachel Ignotofsky – A beautifully illustrated nonfiction book that explores the science behind how flowers grow.
📚 March 13 – National Earmuff Day
Earmuffs for Everyone by Meghan McCarthy – A fascinating and fun history of how earmuffs were invented and their impact on the world.
📚 March 15 – National Panda Day
When I Draw a Panda by Amy June Bates – A delightful story that celebrates creativity, imagination, and the joy of drawing.
📚 March 16 – National No Selfies Day
The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak – A hilarious, interactive read-aloud that proves words alone can bring laughter and fun.
📚 March 22 – National Tamale Day
Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto and Ed Martinez – A heartwarming holiday tale about family, tradition, and an unforgettable kitchen mishap.
📚 March 27 – National Scribble Day
Scribble Stones by Diane Alber – A sweet story that turns scribbles into something beautiful, encouraging kindness and creativity.
📚 March 31 – National Crayon Day
The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow and Steven Salerno – The inspiring true story of how Crayola crayons were invented, bringing color into children’s lives.
Bring Picture Books to Life in Your Classroom
Using picture books for March national days creates engaging, cross-curricular learning experiences. Here are some ideas:
- Discussion & Reflection – Connect each book to the national day’s theme through class discussions and writing prompts.
- STEM & Creativity – Pair books like What’s Inside a Flower? and Scribble Stones with hands-on activities.
- Cultural Connections – Books like Too Many Tamales and She Persisted Around the World open the door for meaningful conversations on traditions and diversity.
This BRAND NEW resource is the pot of gold at the end of you national days rainbow! This is an interactive March National Days calendar with some guided morning meeting and turn/talk questions to go along with each book. This is free for this month only, so please grab it, use it, love it, and come back for more each month!
Want the full list in an easy-to-use format? Grab my FREE March National Days & Picture Books printable or interactive calendar! Download them now and get ready to bring picture book magic into your classroom this March. 🎉
Ramona Recommends partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above! Affiliate links help bloggers like me to fund the free content that we provide on our blogs.
