Browns Best New Books for March 2026
2nd March 2026
Every month we carefully select our favourites from the fabulous new titles on offer. March feels like a special month, not least because it contains one of our favourite days of the year here at Browns – World Book Day which this year falls on Thursday March 5th. World Book Day is a chance to celebrate the magic and wonder of books and reading and have lots of book-themed fun; it also helps to get books into the hands of readers through the special World Book Day books and vouchers. There are plenty of other exciting things happening in March too, including International Women’s Day on March 8th, Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16th – 20th March) and Shakespeare Week (23rd -29th March). With so much going on it probably won’t surprise you that March also has some really amazing new books to enjoy and here are a few of our favourites.
Check back next month for our picks of the new books April has to offer.
Adult Non-Fiction
Mythica
Hauser, Emily
Paperback / softback
Retellings of Greek myths that centre the often over-looked or sidelined female characters have been hugely popular for a number of years, with writers like Natalie Haynes, Madeline Miller and Pat Barker casting a new light on some of the most well-known and retold stories in history. But what about the real women who lived during the Bronze age and inspired the familiar characters in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey?
This fascinating book from award-winning classicist and historian Emily Hauser looks at the extraordinary histories behind the women featured in some of the western world’s most well-known legends. Looking at Homer’s epic poems and piecing together evidence from the original texts, archaeological discoveries and DNA studies, Hauser reveals the lives of women during the Bronze age. Looking at characters such as Aphrodite, Circe and Cassandra, this is a fascinating study of the historical basis of these characters and how they would have been viewed by ancient audiences as well as how their portrayal has been altered and potentially misused throughout the years. A wonderfully interesting and enlightening history and a great read for fans of both ancient history and myths – both modern and ancient tellings.
More DetailsAdult Fiction
Hooked
Yuzuki, Asako
Paperback / softback
Eriko has the perfect-looking life - great apartment, devoted parents and a high-flying job in the seafood division of one of Japan’s biggest trading companies where she is about to take on an ambitious and high-profile new project. But secretly, Eriko is lonely. When Eriko becomes fascinated with the blog of unconventional housewife Shoko she tracks her down and befriends her. Shoko is initially charmed by her new friend but as Eriko’s behaviour starts to become possessive and obsessive, the lives of both women start to unravel…
Asako Yuzuki’s debut novel, Butter, was a huge hit winning many awards and captivating readers with its clever and original writing and plotting and the follow-up Hooked has been hotly anticipated. A look at obsession, the complexities of female friendship, image and expectation this is a brilliantly constructed book that will have readers questioning characters motives and actions throughout. With fantastic characterisation and protagonists that are sometimes difficult and frustrating but always hugely believable, this is a gripping and at times unnerving read. Excellently translated from Japanese by Polly Barton, readers who enjoyed Butter and those who have yet to discover Yuzuki’s original and gripping writing are in for another treat.
More DetailsChildren’s Non-Fiction
The Story of Art without Men
Hessel, Katy
Hardback
What is your favourite famous piece of art? How many artists do you know? And how many of those artists are women? Whilst many people can name lots of great artists and their work, most of them are often men with only a handful of women artists reaching the kind of fame that ensure they are featured in art history lessons and big exhibitions. Women have often been overlooked or dismissed by art historians but they have always been there, creating inspiring work that frequently has fascinating stories behind it.
Art historian Katy Hessel’s book The Story of Art Without Men was a huge hit and Waterstones Book of the Year in 2022. This new version of Hessel’s popular book is aimed at younger readers and will introduce them to inspiring art and artists who until now have been largely in the shadows. With fascinating stories, extraordinary lives and (of course!) some unforgettable art this is an interesting and timely look not only at the lives of forgotten female artists but the times they lived in. With beautiful illustrations and surprising stories this is a great addition to KS2 and KS3 art rooms and libraries and a perfect way to open up discussions about art and its creators.
More DetailsChildren’s Fiction
Megalomaniacs: The Invasion Begins! (a Phoenix Comic Book, from the multi-million-selling creative genius Jamie Smart)
Smart, Jamie
Paperback / softback
The Megalomaniacs have crash-landed and they are determined to take over Earth! The Megalomaniacs are super-powered terrors from outer-space and there are LOADS of them! They are also tiny, very silly and a bit prone to getting in each other’s way… Bobbletown is under attack from the craziest alien invasion force ever – but will they succeed?
Jamie Smart is the creator of the phenomenally popular Bunny vs Monkey (who will be featuring in a World Book Day Book this year), Looshkin, Max & Chaffy and many more. A new series from this brilliant author and illustrator is definitely something to get very excited about and The Megalomaniacs are a fantastic new addition. With all the crazy antics, hilarious humour and wonderful artwork that are Jamie Smart’s trademark, fans and new readers will be hooked and laughing out loud at these wildly funny (and very cute!) little aliens. Perfect for Primary readers and great for reluctant readers too, this is sure to be another huge hit.
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