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Ellie Has a Secret

by Amelia Bothe Publisher: CLARION BOOKS

Critically Recognized

A classroom secret grows harder to keep

Regular price $18.74 USD
Regular price $31.24 USD Sale price $18.74 USD
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Hardcover New English

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Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    The Fan Brothers praise it as a “slyly told modern fable” with “dazzlingly cinematic spreads”

    Direct praise for the book’s storytelling and illustrations from the creators of The Night Gardener and It Fell ...

AlbakiReads Editorial

A classroom secret grows harder to keep

During recess, Ellie finds a shell with a mysterious creature inside and secretly takes it from her classroom. As the creature outgrows its shell, the secret becomes a growing burden. Amelia Bothe’s picture-book story links a fantastical discovery with questions about taking something without permission, keeping secrets, and choosing honesty. The creature gives those ideas a visible presence, while Ellie’s dilemma provides a starting point for talking about secrets that feel difficult to carry.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 4–8 encountering stories about emotions and everyday dilemmas
  • Families or educators looking for a picture book to prompt conversation about honesty and secrets

Themes

Secrets and their consequencesHonestyResponsibilityEmotions and feelings

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"Gentle and magical. A story that purrs with a full heart and a Secret." --Hanna Cha, Caldecott Honor artist of The Truth About Dragons

"A slyly told modern fable about keeping a secret, with dazzlingly cinematic spreads." --the Fan Brothers, creators of The Night Gardener and It Fell from the Sky

"Gorgeous, immersive, and a crucial conversation starter to help readers of all ages feel safe in revealing weighty secrets of their own." --Devin Elle Kurtz, creator of The Bakery Dragon and illustrator of Seven Ways Through the Woods

A gorgeously illustrated picture book debut about releasing the secrets that weigh us down. Perfect for fans of the stunning characters and worlds by David Wiesner, the Fan Brothers, and Aaron Becker. Pure magic!

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.

Does Ellie have a secret, or does the secret have her?

This spectacular debut by author-illustrator Amelia Bothe explores the delights and perils of keeping secrets as well as the rewards of being honest. Gorgeous art of this magical beast wows on every page.

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Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
AlbakiReads
Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.