Ellie Has a Secret

Clarion Books, August 2025; words and pictures by Amelia Bothe

Ellie would never dream of taking something from her classroom without asking her teacher first. But the shell she finds during recess is particularly peculiar—and has a mysterious critter living inside it! Surprising even herself, she pops it in her pocket as a little secret when no one is looking. It’s not long before the creature outgrows the shell and starts to weigh Ellie down.

“… Like a classic fable, Bothe’s metaphoric story superbly explores the toll of keeping a secret. Cinematic digital artwork, with slightly ominous, surreal details, shows the freckle-faced little girl struggling to hold her gigantic beast of burden on the school bus. … An arresting picture-book debut. ”

— Linda Ludke ★ Booklist starred review