Laura Parnum’s second novel is due to release next summer from HarperCollins. Here at Spooky Middle Grade, we are thrilled to bring you the cover reveal for THE HAUNTING OF BELLINGTON COTTAGE. Before we get to the hair-raising reveal, here’s a little bit about the story:
Iris can’t wait for a weeklong wintery getaway with her old friend Violet at a secluded cottage in the woods. The last time their families vacationed together, the girls bonded over their love of creepy things and turned their rental into an epic haunted house to scare the heck out of the grownups. This time, Iris has plans for them to create another haunted house even more terrifying than the last. But when Violet shows up, she’s not the same girl Iris remembers.
Vee (she doesn’t go by Violet anymore) is moody and quick-tempered and seems to want nothing to do with Iris and her haunted house plans. Soon, strange things are happening that make it seem like the cottage itself is angry—doors are slamming, rooms that were perfectly neat a second ago are suddenly a disaster, and Iris hears footsteps and other mysterious noises long after everyone’s gone to sleep. Iris and Vee soon discover that the cottage has a secret history, and that there’s no need to stage a haunted house after all . . . because they’re already in one.
And now for the spooky cover reveal—
Artist: Pauliina Hannuniemi
Designer: Catherine Lee
Art director: Jessie Gang
Laura says, “I was delighted to have the same team of artist, designer, and art director that produced the cover for my first book, Peril at Price Manor. Pauliina’s illustrations perfectly capture the mood and atmosphere of each novel, and the two covers will pair beautifully together on a bookshelf. Lots of people rave about the cover for Peril. I’m sure I’ll hear the same enthusiasm for Bellington Cottage. The gorgeous colors, dreamy illustrations, and unique title font are sure to draw readers in and make them want to grab it off the bookstore shelves. I am so lucky to have had this talented team collaborating with me on another incredible book cover.”
THE HAUNTING OF BELLINGTON COTTAGE is due to release from HarperCollins on July 29, 2025.
About the author: Laura Parnum writes stories that blend humor and heart with a touch of horror. When she’s not writing, she’s editing other people’s books and helping out at local elementary school libraries. She currently serves as Co-Regional Advisor for the Eastern Pennsylvania region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her first novel, Peril at Price Manor, won the Pennsylvania Library Association’s 2024 Carolyn W. Field Award for the best book for young people by a Pennsylvania author or illustrator. Laura lives with her family in Philadelphia. They have a turtle that bites and a snake that doesn’t.
Website: www.lauraparnum.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraparnum/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lauraparnum.bsky.social
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraParnum
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