New Releases 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.

“A must-have conclusion to a winning series.” —School Library Journal When the Athensville Zoo closes for renovations, it means big changes for Plum and all his animal friends. The fifth and final book in award-winning author Matt Phelan’s series about a young peacock whose adventures are funny, hopeful, and always kindhearted. A hilarious and highly illustrated novel perfect for reluctant readers and animal lovers everywhere. Plum wholeheartedly believes that the Athensville Zoo is the best zoo on the planet—and the most perfect home. So when trucks roll in and signs are posted about the zoo undergoing a total renovation, Plum can’t think of anything worse! Where are they taking all his friends? What will happen to all his favorite habitats? Change is difficult, but with a little patience and help, Plum soon learns that embracing new things can make life even better. Each book in the Leave It to Plum series features: Lively black-and-white illustrations by the author on almost every page. Short, humorous chapters ideal for reading aloud and for reluctant readers. Social and emotional learning competencies appropriate for young middle grade readers. Engaging high-interest, low reading level stories to develop literacy skills and nurture a love of reading. Big Changes for Plum! is the fifth book in a 5-book series about a young peacock with a big heart and the busy zoo he lives in. Just right for newly independent readers, these fun and funny adventures tackle relatable emotional themes such as new experiences, accepting change, and being a good friend. Perfect for fans of the Princess in Black and the Mercy Watson series.

It’s baby animal season at the Athensville Zoo! Is Plum responsible enough to watch over five exuberant peachicks? From award-winning author-artist Matt Phelan, Plum to the Rescue! is the fourth book about a young peacock whose adventures are funny, hopeful, and always kindhearted. A hilarious and highly illustrated novel perfect for reluctant readers and animal lovers everywhere. Plum is sure he can handle supervising five energetic—and mischievous—peachicks. How hard could it be? When one of the chicks ends up in the clutches of two notorious, badly behaved young zoo patrons, Plum will face his most thrilling adventure yet—a rescue mission outside the zoo walls! Each book in the Leave It to Plum series features: Lively black-and-white illustrations by the author on almost every page. Short, humorous chapters ideal for reading aloud and for reluctant readers. Social and emotional learning competencies appropriate for young middle grade readers. Engaging high-interest, low reading level stories to develop literacy skills and nurture a love of reading. Plum to the Rescue! is the fourth book in a 5-book series about a young peacock with a big heart and the busy zoo he lives in. Just right for newly independent readers, these fun and funny adventures tackle relatable emotional themes such as responsibility, facing your fears, and being a good friend. Perfect for fans of the Princess in Black and the Mercy Watson series.

A Junior Library Guild Selection “Expert plot and character development take this latest in the series up a notch.”—Kirkus Reviews Raccoons have invaded the Athensville Zoo! And it’s up to Plum and his friends to save their beloved home. From award-winning author-artist Matt Phelan, Trouble Finds Plum! is the third book about a young peacock whose adventures are funny, hopeful, and always kindhearted. A funny, highly illustrated novel perfect for reluctant readers and animal lovers everywhere. When Plum the peacock stumbles across a raccoon asking for help finding food on a gloomy day at the zoo, he is delighted to assist his new friend. But Scratch the raccoon doesn’t stop there. More and more of Scratch’s friends arrive, and soon the zoo is overrun by rowdy and rude raccoons. Though trouble might have found Plum, Plum has a plan to save the Athensville Zoo—and make a few new friends at the same time. Each book in the Leave It to Plum series features: Lively black-and-white illustrations by the author on almost every page. Short, humorous chapters ideal for reading aloud and for reluctant readers. Social and emotional learning competencies appropriate for young middle grade readers. Engaging high-interest, low reading level stories to develop literacy skills and nurture a love of reading. Trouble Finds Plum! is the third book in a 5-book series about a young peacock with a big heart and the busy zoo he lives in. Just right for newly independent readers, these fun and funny adventures tackle relatable emotional themes such as dealing with bullies and being a good friend. Perfect for fans of the Princess in Black and the Mercy Watson series.

Learn to reconnect your brain and heart to find happiness and engagement at work and in life In The Happiness Index: Why Today's Emotions Equal Tomorrow's Business Success, cofounder and CEO of The Happiness Index Matthew Phelan delivers a fascinating dive into data from over 100 countries and 2 million human beings that helps us understand what really drives our engagement and happiness at work. Grounded in an evidence-based and neuroscientific approach, the book skips the memes and inspirational quotes in favor of data and insights based on real-time information from real people. In the book, you’ll learn that “engagement” is what our brains need, and “happiness” is what our hearts need. You’ll discover what we need to thrive and succeed in work and life, as well as: A step-by-step approach to learning from real-world data about happiness Practical lessons applicable to any organization that will help both individuals and groups succeed Case studies from recognizable firms around the world and interviews with executives to help bring the data to life A simultaneously inspirational and hands-on treatment of a subject of singular importance to everyone in the working world, The Happiness Index will benefit executives, managers, and other business leaders, as well as founders, business owners, and anyone else interested in helping the people around them flourish.

Sid Fleischman Award for Humor Finalist SCBWI Golden Kite Award Finalist The animals of the Athensville Zoo are going to school! But then an unexpected blizzard strands the animals at the elementary school overnight—yikes! This sequel to Leave It to Plum! is a highly illustrated young middle grade novel perfect for reluctant readers and animal lovers everywhere. Lizzie the zookeeper has Plum the peacock and his friends loaded in the zoo van to travel to a nearby elementary school to give a presentation. Most of the animals are excited—especially Itch, who has always wanted to share his knowledge with the world. But Plum is nervous. What if he doesn’t like school? What if the students don’t like him? What if he messes up the whole presentation? Then an unexpected blizzard derails the whole trip, and Plum and his friends have to stay overnight in the empty school. Each book in the Leave It to Plum series features: Lively black-and-white illustrations by the author on almost every page. Short, humorous chapters ideal for reading aloud and for reluctant readers. Social and emotional learning competencies appropriate for young middle grade readers. Engaging high-interest, low reading level stories to develop literacy skills and nurture a love of reading. A Snow Day for Plum! is the second book in a 5-book series about a young peacock with a big heart and the busy zoo he lives in. Just right for newly independent readers, these fun and funny adventures tackle relatable emotional themes such as performance anxiety and being a good friend. Perfect for fans of the Princess in Black and the Mercy Watson series.

“An instant hit.”—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “A splendid hullabaloo at the zoo.”—Booklist A Texas Bluebonnet Book When a small mammal with an oversized ego tries to take over the zoo, just leave it to the big-hearted peacock Plum to save the day! From award-winning author Matt Phelan, Leave It to Plum! is a highly illustrated young middle grade novel perfect for reluctant readers and animal lovers everywhere. Every day the peacocks are allowed to wander freely among Athensville Zoo’s visitors, delighting and guiding kids and grown-ups alike. The peacocks are very proud of their responsibility; none so much as kind, curious Plum. But Itch the ningbing—a type of very small marsupial—doesn’t understand why those birdbrains should get so much freedom while he’s all cooped up. So he plots and plots, sure that he will escape and become the zoo ambassador! Each book in the Leave It to Plum series features: Lively black-and-white illustrations by the author on almost every page. Short, humorous chapters ideal for reading aloud and for reluctant readers. Social and emotional learning competencies appropriate for young middle grade readers. Engaging high-interest, low reading level stories to develop literacy skills and nurture a love of reading. Leave It to Plum! is the first book in a 5-book series about a young peacock with a big heart and the busy zoo he lives in. Just right for newly independent readers, these fun and funny adventures tackle relatable emotional themes such as cooperation and being a good friend. Perfect for fans of the Princess in Black and the Mercy Watson series.

“Intoxicating . . . it will be hard for young readers to put down.”—New York Times Book Review “A grand, giddy, and, at times, literally soaring tale.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “An amusing, fast-paced tale of land, sky, and spies.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Incredibly creative. . . . A little bit of history, a touch of mystery, and heaps of fun.”—ALA Booklist (starred review) A Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews Best Book A Junior Library Guild Selection A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year Wherever there are injustices, nefarious plots, or threats to society, the Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck are there to stop them! A sly villain with a plan to cause havoc across the globe is no match for three extraordinary animals—and their two young human friends. From acclaimed author and artist Matt Phelan, The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck is a hilarious, action-packed, and highly illustrated middle grade adventure perfect for fans of Skunk and Badger and Flora & Ulysses. The very first passengers to ride in a hot-air balloon were a sheep, a rooster, and a duck in 1783. And while hot-air balloons are indeed wondrous, ten-year-old Emile is too busy being the fastidious caretaker of ambassador Benjamin Franklin’s château in Paris to think much about them. But soon, young Emile finds himself right in the middle of a sinister plot. And right in the middle of the secret headquarters for France’s undercover guardians—the very same sheep, rooster, and duck that piloted the first hot-air balloon. If Emile can muster his courage and be bold, he may be the key to helping the heroes save both Benjamin Franklin and the world. Award-winning author Matt Phelan’s The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck is a highly illustrated adventure full of secrets, hijinks, and reimagined historical events. This rip-roaring and surprising story is ideal for reluctant readers, aspiring heroes, and fans of Peter Brown’s The Wild Robot.

The third action-packed story in Matt Phelan’s acclaimed Knights vs. series! Five daring heroes face their most difficult challenge yet: saving Camelot itself. Can the band of friends survive an evil queen, a powerful Faerie King, and one nasty dragon? This heavily illustrated middle grade adventure is a hilarious tale of derring-do, perfect for reluctant readers as well as fans of The Terrible Two and The Wild Robot. A year has passed since the knights battled monsters on the mist-covered Orkney Isles. The knights have searched high and low for the elusive Queen Morgause, who is bent on destroying King Arthur and all of Camelot. Finally, a tip from the legendary Green Knight sends the heroes searching for the Faerie Realm, an eerie world where nothing is what it seems. Together, the knights will lose an old friend, discover a new ally, face a dangerous dragon, and learn what it means to be a legend. With art on nearly every page, including an epic fight scene depicted in several graphic-novel–style spreads, this engaging story is ideal for reluctant readers, aspiring knights, and action-adventure fans. Camelot may never be the same after these heroes come to the rescue!

Renowned for their courage, their chivalry, and their ability to fight mythical creatures, the Knights of the Round Table face a new band of dangerous opponents—MONSTERS! In the rip-roaring sequel to Matt Phelan’s acclaimed Knights vs. Dinosaurs, four daring knights and one intrepid archer face off against legendary monsters. This heavily illustrated middle grade adventure is a hilarious tale of derring-do that is perfect for reluctant readers and fans of The Terrible Two and The Wild Robot. Award-winning creator Matt Phelan’s Knights vs. Monsters is a highly illustrated, fast-paced adventure full of uproarious knightly hijinks, surprising secrets, and terrifying monsters. When a magical boat sweeps the Knights of the Round Table off to Scotland, they take on the evil Queen Morgause and her horde of monsters. With art on nearly every page, including an epic fight scene depicted in several graphic-novel style spreads, this engaging story is ideal for reluctant readers, aspiring knights, and fans of Gordon Korman’s Masterminds.

New York Times bestselling, award-winning creator Matt Phelan's Knights vs. Dinosaurs is a fast-paced and funny middle grade illustrated adventure. An ALA Notable Title Renowned for their courage, their chivalry, and their ability to fight mythical creatures, the Knights of the Round Table must face their most dangerous opponents yet . . . Let me tell you a secret about King Arthur's noble knights: they don't have much to do. The realm is at peace and dragons are few and far between. So Merlin decides to send them out on a real adventure to a world filled with the most terrible lizards of all: DINOSAURS! A hilarious, rip-roaring tale of derring-do perfect for reluctant readers and fans of How to Train Your Dragon, The Terrible Two, and The Wild Robot, Knights vs. Dinosaurs features art on nearly every page, including an epic fight scene depicted in several graphic-novel style spreads for an engaging story that reads like Monty Python for young middle school readers. "Whether jousting with a triceratops or facing down a T-rex, [squire] Mel should come with a halo: She's thoughtful, sensitive, and wise. . . . Drawn deftly, lightly." — New York Times Book Review "Four braggart knights and one underappreciated squire off against dinosaurs, all while learning about teamwork and honesty. . . . As the time-traveling knights try to fight their way back to their true place in time, plot twists reveal the heroes' true identifiers, adding depth to this hilarious slapstick romp." — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) "Absurdly entertaining. Victorious on all fronts." — Booklist (Starred Review) Knights Vs. Knights vs. Dinosaurs Knights vs. Monsters Knights vs. the End (of Everything)

A stylized noir retelling of Snow White set against the backdrop of Depression-era Manhattan.

With warmth and humor, award-winning author-illustrator Matt Phelan follows a child as she leads her daddy on some rainy-day flights of fancy. It’s raining and raining and raining, and Penelope is bored. “What would you do if you had your druthers?” asks her daddy. Well, if Penelope had her druthers, she’d go to the zoo. Or be a cowgirl. Or a pirate captain who sails to the island of dinosaurs, or flies away on a rocket to the moon. If Penelope had her druthers, she’d go off on amazing adventures — but then again, being stuck inside may not be so bad if your daddy is along for the ride!

A Scott O'Dell Award-winning graphic artist visualizes the story of young Henry, who in 1908 Muskegon, Michigan, bonds with a young Buster Keaton over games of baseball while the latter summers locally with a troupe of vaudeville performers.

Challenged with circling the world solo at the end of the 19th century, three very different adventurers--avid bicyclist Thomas Stevens, fearless reporter Nellie Bly and retired sea captain Joshua Slocum--embark on epic journeys. By a Scott O'Dell Award-winning graphic novelist.

Facing his share of ordinary challenges, from local bullies to his father's failed expectations, eleven-year-old Jack Clark must also deal with the effects of the Dust Bowl in 1937 Kansas, including the rising tensions in his small town and the spread ofa shadowy illness.