Bartleby

By: Matt Phelan

Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr), 2026-03-03

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 yourself. 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. In school, he chooses not to sing silly songs or play hide-and-seek or speak in front of the class. Not everyone understands Bartleby’s no’s—and sometimes, that makes Bartleby feel different and left out. But when his teacher Ms. Melville asks for drawings that “Show who you are!” Bartleby finds his own joyful way to express himself—and it changes everything. Matt Phelan's Bartleby is an endearing, adorable, and humorous celebration of being yourself even when you stand out -- sure to delight readers everywhere.