Bartleby by Phelan, Matt

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.

Author: Matt Phelan
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Published: 03/03/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.81lbs
Size: 9.25h x 9.54w x 0.46d
ISBN: 9780374393557
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2026
Horn Book Magazine 03/01/2026 pg. 52
Shelf Awareness 01/01/0001
Booklist 11/01/2025
Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2025
Publishers Weekly 12/01/2025

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.