EVEN PETS HAVE NIGHTMARES

Last year author F.P. LaRue published the fourth fabulous book in her award-winning SCARY SHIVERS series of spooky mystery-solving adventures for kids who read chapter books. THE PET SHOP NIGHTMARE. As with the first three in the series, I illustrated several interior images in creepy black and white (actually grayscale) along with the full color cover.  

Here's a few samples of the moody full-page interior illustrations. Scroll down, but, ONLY if you DARE.

I also created a promo video for each book as well as this SERIES PROMO video below, which gives you a little more idea of the story contents. The mysteries are fun and original, the main characters are funny, realistic and engaging, and yes, it does lead to some pretty dark and spooky shenanigans. And no, it's not "Ole Man Smithers" in a mask. These stories have actual stakes and require our heroes to muster real courage to 'save the day'. All the while being perfect mystery books for a twelve year old, ...or that twelve year old still lurking somewhere inside all of us.   

Paula (F.P.) LaRue

Award-Winning Author

The Pet Shop Nightmare – First Place Juvenile Mysteries, Juvenile Action & Adventure – Spring 2026 BookFest Awards

The Legend of the Serpent Witch – First Place Juvenile Mysteries, Action & Adventure, Fantasy & Magic – Fall 2025 BFA

The Curse of Shadow Park – First Place Juvenile Action & Adventure – Fall 2024 BookFest Awards

The Weeping House – First Place Juvenile Mysteries, Juvenile Fantasy & Magic – Spring 2024 BookFest Awards

www.FPLaRue.com

www.ScaryShivers.com

Until next time.... keep the lights on.

Feeling a Scary Shiver

Considering October is when the spooks come out, (and today is Friday the Thirteenth) I thought I'd share some art I did for a fun series of children's "horror" novels. Think Scooby Doo Mysteries except that the monsters... are real. Maybe the Goosebumps series is a better comparison.

I've been illustrating the SCARY SHIVERS series for a while and have enjoyed comin up with vaguely spooky dream-like imagery. All the while staying this side of good taste, considering the intended audience. (The world's full of weird jobs. Sometimes I get paid to draw an attacking hoard of hundreds of ferocious cave-dwelling roach-like creatures with glowing eyes and dripping fangs. Just another Wednesday afternoon at my place.)

The interior art is rendered in gory grayscale, while the covers are presenting in full creepy color. The first three books in the series are THE CURSE OF SHADOW PARK, THE LEGEND OF THE SERPENT WITCH and THE WEEPING HOUSE.   

The author requested I refrain from illustrating the three tweenage protagonists thus allowing for the reader to better imprint themselves into the story. All the artwork is therefore rendered as POVs (point of views) further helping with the immersion. Here's a splattering of interior art examples featuring a couple creepy-crawlies. If you want more, well then you'll just have to buy the books.

That is... if you DARE!

Well that's all for now. Next time. Sci-fi action babes get the spotlight they deserve.