Bartleby

by Matt Phelan

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.

Genres: Picture Books, School, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Friendship, School Stories

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2026

About the author

Matt Phelan made his illustrating debut with Betty G. Birney’s The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster). Since then he has illustrated many picture books and novels for young readers, including Where I Live by Eileen Spinelli (Dial), Very Hairy Bear by Alice Schertle (Harcourt), and The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron (Simon & Schuster) winner of the 2007 Newbery Medal.

Matt studied film and theater in college with the goal of one day writing and directing movies. But his first love was always drawing, and the more he saw the wonderful world of children’s books, the more he realized that this was the place for him. Being an illustrator is in many ways like being an actor, director, cinematographer, costumer, and set designer rolled into one.

Matt writes: “I have a fascination with the decade of the 1930s. The movies were learning to talk (and in the case of King Kong, growl), the music was beginning to swing, and the nation was thrown into tremendous turmoil. On one hand, you see a level of suffering documented in the dramatic and gritty photography of Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans. On the other hand, consider what the American public was flocking to see in the movie theaters: the glamour and grace of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing in a series of perfect musicals. For my first book as both writer and illustrator (coming in 2009 by Candlewick Press), I naturally gravitated to this complex decade, specifically the strange world of the Dust Bowl.”

Reviews

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how the illustrations continue the story and encourage younger readers (listeners) to think.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bartleby is kind of an ass. But I’m here for it.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything happens in its own time, as exemplified by Bartleby.

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, such a cute and heart-warming book! A gentle reminder that even if we don't do things the way the majority does, we can still contribute the way we know how.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wink and a nod to Herman Melville's Bartleby the Scrivener, except this Bartleby is so darn cute...and definitely his own person. Hooray for setting boundaries and marching to the beat of your own drum!

[Kelly ♈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's like my favorite movie, shoutout to Crispin Glover! I'm rereading this to vote on the picture book winner for the bookstore. I just caught how the teacher is named Ms. Melville. Classic!

Darling illustrations, and Bartleby is stylin'! And him adding his own drawings of the class is so meta for this reimagined tale.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whereas everyone says "no" once in a while, Bartleby the bear always says "I prefer not to". Throughout the school day Bartleby prefers not to participate in show-and-tell, playing with the other kids and the art assignment. During the art assignment, he gets permission to do something different than what his classmates were instructed to do and the ability to use special paper. In the end, Bartleby's contribution to the class art project is wonderful.

I love the idea the we allow children the choice to participate in voluntary activities, however, this story is confusing as readers don't know WHY Bartleby is behaving this way. Is it his first day of school? Was/is there something wrong at home? Is he neurodivergent? WHAT??? Kids are gonna ask.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Matt Phelan's work and have read several of his picture books and his llustrations for children's books and his work as a colorist on graphic novels, too. So when I saw what was clearly an tribute to 1) Herman Melville's Bartleby the Scrivener, and 2) independent and/or social anxious or neurodivergent kids, I was down for it. And I like it how the teacher supports the kid's preference to NOT regularly participate, though in the end we have what is meant to be a happy ending where he chooses to play with others. So it's meant to be a happy ending in two ways: 1) Bartleby chooses to do an assignment in his own way, contributing to the whole class community and 2) later, having been celebrated for this work, he chooses finally to play with others.

So as a father of neurodivergent kids, I think it is also can be a happy ending if they choose not to participate, if they are socially anxious, or just want to be alone. It's okay not to play. It's okay to have a few friends instead of a lot of friends. It took me a long time to more fully accept this position, but I also as a young kid spent a lot of time alone, and it was okay for me, though it worried my mom a lot. Go outside and play, she'd say! It's such a nice day! (Stop isolating yourself, she meant). But she also knew I liked to read as much as anything. I was a loner and didn't fit in and didn't feel lonely. She just worried about me as I still worry for my kids.

I still liked this book a lot, though, without question. That ending for Bartelby that Phelan imagines is one good ending because he chooses it.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a LOT of study with this book to come around and actually see its merits. Obviously, Bartleby is adorable, the art is adorable, the literary nod to Herman Melville's short story is clever, BUT!!! I was left with so many questions about this homage. Why such a dark story to reference? And then what does it say that Phelan chooses to change the ending...which he absolutely must to make this appropriate for his readership, but it changes the entire message of the original as Phelan's Bartleby ultimately conforms to his society. Is this a statement about Melville's story, or did Phelan just not go that deep into this? Is this an opportunity for a college comparative literature class discussion (as one of my reading partners jokingly suggested)? But the story on its own, without consideration of it's literary reference, is not all that special or new in its storyline. We've seen introverts and shy characters exhibit these independent, outsider qualities and by the end they are taught or forced to conform in a way that the author makes it look like the character made this choice on his own. This book is no different. Sure, you could argue that Bartleby conforms "IN HIS OWN WAY," but conforming is conforming ultimately. The fact that this book made me think so much makes me appreciate it, but I'm left wondering if Phelan planned for this, or was he just trying to be cute.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the number of books for neurodivergent or quieter children showing up. Bartleby seems to not want to do much of anything, though, including actual classwork, which...sometimes isn't possible. Additionally, I think there were too few words. I would've liked a few more pages to the story. The artwork made up for a lot of the aspects of the book I didn't love. It's very inviting and soft. I like Bartleby's design.

I read this because it was shortlisted by B&N for their children's award. This is only the second book I read, but I don't think it's going to win based on the strength of the other book I have read (Broken).

Cute. Has a purpose. Wish it was longer.

3.5 rounded up to 4 for GR.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's OK to say NO - you know that, right? No matter how old you are, it is always OK to say no. Bartleby doesn't say no, per se. Bartleby says, "I prefer not to." While those words might sound slightly odd if they were uttered by a human preschooler/kindergartner, they make perfect sense when spoken - repeatedly - by a dapper young polar bear. As to be expected, Bartleby's classroom is a bit chaotic. And loud. With a wide variety of activities that Bartleby wants no part of. He is happy to observe from a distance - until it is time for art! Then Bartleby says yes - with a few stipulations.

I appreciate that the teacher gave Bartleby the space he needed until he felt comfortable participating and interacting.

Take a peek under the dust jacket - the cover of the book is different!

[Heather Stigall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look at that cover! Isn’t Bartleby adorable? If that doesn’t grab you, the story sure will. Bartleby is a bear of few words, and the few words he does speak are, “I prefer not to.” He prefers not to share during sharing time, not to play the xylophone in music class, and to not sing a silly song. Even though Bartleby prefers not to do a lot of things, he still wants to be part of his class community, but in his own way and in his own time. This book has everything I love: an endearing main character, adorable illustrations, secret “undies” (different cover under the dust jacket), and a heartfelt message. I prefer to love Bartleby!

[CONSTANCE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bartleby is a very polite little bear who instead of saying “no” says “I prefer not to”. And this happens frequently as Bartleby is not as keen to share, when the teacher asks the class, what he did over the weekend or did he want to go out and play at recess. But that is OK as when Bartleby does decide to participate in his own way, the result is wonderful. Along with its cute simple illustrations, a nice lesson for children who might be a bit reluctant to participate in ways other children do.

[kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children knowing it is okay to say no is so important. This book not only shows that clearly, it also offers thoughtful and authentic neurodivergent representation, whether intentional or not, especially around how some kids on the spectrum may feel overwhelmed or unable to do something simply because the demand itself is too much. The gentle acceptance from peers feels genuine and powerful. It was amazing. I cried and truly wished I had this book when I taught.

[John Mullarkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a unique picture book as it depicts a very cute bear wearing a bowler hat and tie who is very reluctant, but very polite about it. It is a good lesson as a read aloud for everyone has a level of reluctance in our lives and it is not always easy to express it - the right way. The artwork supports the text very well as it is soft with expressive flowing lines that truly depicts the nature of the characters.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

👦🏻 review: This is an amazing book about Bartleby and his distinct personality. Maybe he is shy, competitive or silly made him different from others. The colorful images and graphics, the storyline, the dialogues and the moral of the story have offered great lessons for children who is the same as Bartleby. I highly recommend this children book.

[Aolund · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a nod to Bartleby the Scrivener than a picture book version, Phelan's book shows a similarly disinterested character who eventually finds a way to participate in the preschool class activities he usually declines after his own fashion.

Themes: Yes and No, Be Yourself
Age range: Preschool-Kindergarten

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I read a digital advance copy courtesy of the publisher.
Bartleby says "I prefer not to" instead of no and he doesn't like the same things as his classmates. This book celebrates uniqueness with gentle illustrations and a warm tone.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the inclusion in this! Bartleby can be anybody, and it's a great story for kids and families. Respecting your personal boundaries and having others respect them as well is such a great message, especially in our modern day. Lovely!

[Chazzity ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sweet book and definitely might be a good pick for a Storytime ages 4-5. If your littles are shy, or maybe struggling to participate in activities with other littles, having trouble making friends, this def can be a good book for them :)

[Bonnie Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Bartleby is hesitant to participate, even as he is always included in his preschool activities. He al as says, “I prefer not to.” When he is allowed to participate in a parallel activity, he receives great feedback. Going forward, Bartleby participates.

[Meredith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why does Bartleby prefer to do NO ACTIVITIES?
Is there supposed to be a metaphor that he frames his classmates?
By standing around with his back to them?
And what made him change his mind?

I have so many questions.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the classic artwork style. A book honoring our true self and rhythm. Saying no is as important as taking a step to show who we are. Great message and representation.

[Mompop · Rating 3 out of 5]

proper English, is Bartleby British? Our class "photo" is missing someone.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storytime: School, Friends, All About Me, Bears

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shy bear finds a way to let everybody know how much he cares.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny little way to adapt this. I mean it's not really adapted, just the name and the line. Cute!

[Kimberly Luthin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storytime

[Desa Rae]

You may be different from everyone else but that doesn’t mean you don’t have something to offer

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phelan has yet to disappoint me❤️