Book Cover

Bartleby

Contributor(s): Phelan, Matt (Author), Phelan, Matt (Illustrator)

ISBN: 9780374393557

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)

Hardcover
$18.99
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Pub Date: March 3, 2026

Lexile Code: 0000

Features: Price on Product

Target Age Group: 03 to 06

Physical Info: 0.46" H x 9.25" L x 9.54" W ( 0.81 lbs) 40 pages

Descriptions, Reviews, etc.

Description:

From New York Times-bestselling 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.

Brief description:

Matt Phelan is the author and illustrator of many books for young readers, including the picture book Bartleby, the chapter book Leave It to Plum!, the middle grade novel Knights vs. Dinosaurs, and others. His acclaimed graphic novels include the Scott O'Dell Award-winning The Storm in the Barn and the New York Times bestseller Snow White.

In addition to his own work, Matt has illustrated books by renowned authors such as Linda Sue Park, Jeanne Birdsall, Patricia MacLachlan, and Jane Yolen. He lives with his family in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

Review Quotes:

An Amazon Best Book of the Month
B&N Children's & YA Awards Shortlist
B&N Best Books of the Year (So Far)

"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

"An endearing picture book where agency and self-expression go hand in hand." --School Library Journal, starred review

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

"Bartleby offers a gentle tribute to students who live just outside the circle, reminding readers that belonging can take more than one shape." --Shelf Awareness, starred review

""[Phelan's] picture books have a simple sweetness to them, and his latest is no different, with spare inked lines and delicate watercolor... the story is lovely." --The New York Times

"Utterly charming." --Kirkus

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

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