Bartleby

Phelan (Pignic) applies a variation on the famous catchphrase of Melville’s to explore a child’s desire for autonomy across this clever picture book. In a classroom of young anthropomorphized animals—rendered in pastel hues via pencil, ink brush pen, and watercolor—polar bear cub Bartleby, nattily clad in a bright red bowler, necktie, and overalls, keeps separate from the other students engaging in circle time. Invited to join the class in sharing, music-making, and play, he responds with certitude, “I prefer not to.” But a wordless image of Bartleby looking on while his classmates toss a ball seems to point to a yearning for connection, and when the class creates self-portraits, Bartleby finds a way to join in while staying true to himself. When asked again the following day if he wants to play, Bartleby offers a new response: “I would like to.” Crucially, teacher Ms. Melville and peers never try to coerce or chastise the recalcitrant bear, instead granting him space to respond in his own way. The result is a compassionate work that offers a thoughtful message of acceptance for readers of any participatory preference. Ages 3–6. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Mar.)