The Secret Elephant

Genres

What is The Secret Elephant about?

During the Second World War, a baby elephant named Sheila is left frightened and alone at Belfast Zoo as bombs begin to fall. Her keeper, Denise, refuses to leave her friend behind and secretly brings Sheila home. But hiding a growing elephant is not easy, and soon Sheila must return to the zoo. Denise stays by her side throughout the war, proving that kindness and friendship can bring comfort in the darkest times. Years later, Sheila still remembers the keeper who never abandoned her.

About the author

Ellan Rankin is a Northern Irish author-illustrator who loves creating picture books filled with animals, imagination and clever details. She studied children’s book illustration and enjoys bringing stories to life with colourful artwork. Ellan is best known for The Secret Elephant, a warm story about friendship, and she has also illustrated books for young readers. Her ideas are inspired by history, cinema and funny animal tales. She lives in Belfast and loves sharing the magic of books.