Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet picture book celebrates choices and boundaries.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BARTLEBY, a small polar bear in a red bowler hat spends his school day doing things his own way. When classmates gather for circle time, music, free play, and recess, Bartleby politely declines with his favorite phrase: "I prefer not to." His teacher, Ms. Melville, invites him to participate without forcing him, and the other students continue with their activities. During art time, Bartleby finds a way to contribute to the class self-portraits that lets him participate while staying true to himself. By the next day, he may be ready to say, "I would like to."
Is It Any Good?
This quiet classroom story has an important message for kids and adults about respecting boundaries and the different ways people participate in group events. Bartleby is especially lovely because author-illustrator Matt Phelan never shows the young bear's preferences as something to be corrected; the teacher treats his actions as simply another way of being part of the class, encouraging but not forcing him to join in. Early readers will enjoy the repetition and light humor, and all can appreciate that Bartleby does not change who he is; he simply discovers a way to be with others that feels right.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the phrase "I prefer no to" in Bartleby is different from responding "No!" when asked a question.
What are some respectful ways you can tell adults or friends that you need more time, space, or help?
How do Ms. Melville and the other students show patience, and why does that matter for Bartleby?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Matt Phelan
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals , School ( Elementary School , Preschool )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Publication date : March 3, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 6
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : July 28, 2026
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