Bartleby - by Matt Phelan (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

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

"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

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.