Bartleby

Matt Phelan

Book cover for Bartleby
Image for variant 9780374393557
Book cover for Bartleby
Image for variant 9780374393557

Bartleby

Bartleby

Matt Phelan

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Description

From New York Times-bestelling and award-winning creator Matt Phelan, Bartleby is a whimsical, yet powerful new modern classic picture book for fans of The Rabbit Listened that follows a dapper polar bear who learns the power of staying true to himself.

Everyone says NO sometimes.

Bartleby says, "I prefer not to."

He says it a lot.

Bartleby does things his own way, in his own time.

And that's what makes him extraordinary.

Matt Phelan's Bartleby is an endearing, adorable, and humorous celebration of being yourself even when you stand out--sure to delight readers everywhere.

About the Author

Matt Phelan is an award-winning, New York Times-bestselling author/illustrator of picture books, middle grade novels, and graphic novels for young readers. He has received the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction for The Storm in the Barn, the Carolyn Field Award for Around the World and Snow White, the Jefferson Cup for Bluffton, and has been nominated for five Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards.

In addition to his own books, Matt has illustrated many books by renowned authors including Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall, Marilyn's Monster by Michelle Knudsen, Xander's Panda Party by Linda Sue Park, and The Higher Power of Lucky, winner of a Newbery Medal, by Susan Patron.

Critical Reviews

"Bartleby will win the hearts of children and grownups alike." --Booklist, starred review

"[A] clever picture book... a compassionate work that offers a thoughtful message of acceptance." --Publisher's Weekly, starred review

"Refreshing...A welcome celebration of independence and differences in temperament." --Horn Book, starred review

"Utterly charming." --Kirkus

"Shows that it's okay to have boundaries but also fun to participate in your own special way." --BCCB

Publishing Information

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Pub date: 2026-03-03
Length: 40 pages

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