“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.

ISBN: 9780063373150
Imprint: Clarion Books
On Sale: Aug 19, 2025
List price: $24.99
No of pages: 40
Trim Size: 9.300 in (w) x 11.350 in (h) x 0.400 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Fantasy / Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical Creatures
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / Fantasy / General
BISAC 4:
BISAC 5:
BISAC 6:

Amelia Bothe

Biography

Amelia Bothe is an author and illustrator from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her debut picture book, Ellie Has a Secret, was an Amazon and B&N best pick of the month. Amelia graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2024 with a BFA in illustration and now lives in New York. 

Ozzie Jacobs

“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.

ISBN: 9780063373150
Imprint: Clarion Books
On Sale: Aug 19, 2025
List price: $24.99
No of pages: 40
Trim Size: 9.300 in (w) x 11.350 in (h) x 0.400 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Fantasy / Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical Creatures
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / Fantasy / General
BISAC 4:
BISAC 5:
BISAC 6:

Amelia Bothe

Biography

Amelia Bothe is an author and illustrator from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her debut picture book, Ellie Has a Secret, was an Amazon and B&N best pick of the month. Amelia graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2024 with a BFA in illustration and now lives in New York. 

Ozzie Jacobs