R.L. Stine Admits Which of His “Goosebumps ”Series He Thinks Is ‘Really Bad’: ‘It’s a Terrible Book’ (Exclusive)

R.L. Stine Opens Up About Least Favourite ‘Goosebumps’ Book (Exclusive)

Renowned author R.L. Stine recently shared his thoughts on a particular ‘Goosebumps’ book that he deems as “terrible.” The prolific children’s and teen horror writer, now 81 years old, confessed to PEOPLE about the book he considers less than ideal. In a candid interview before the release of ‘Fear Street: Prom Queen,’ the latest movie adaptation from his iconic teen horror book collection, Stine acknowledged that not all his works meet his standards of excellence.

During the conversation, Stine acknowledged, “They can’t all be great.” He pinpointed one book in the Goosebumps series, released in 1994, that he specifically finds lacking in quality. The book in question is ‘Go Eat Worms!’—the 21st installment in the original series. This story revolves around a character named Todd, whose fascination with worms takes a sinister turn as these creatures begin to appear in unexpected and unsettling places, leading to eerie consequences.

Despite Stine’s personal dissatisfaction with ‘Go Eat Worms!’, the book was adapted into an episode for the Goosebumps TV series, airing during the show’s second season in 1996. Stine’s honesty about his assessment of his work showcases a humble perspective on his creative output, revealing that even acclaimed authors like himself acknowledge when certain pieces may not have hit the mark.

While ‘Go Eat Worms!’ may not be high on Stine’s list for a potential movie adaptation, he hinted at other Fear Street series that could make for engaging film trilogies. With titles like ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Fear Street: Cheerleaders’ comprising three books each, Stine hinted at the possibility of further trilogies being brought to life on the big screen.

The Fear Street franchise has seen significant success, with a trilogy of movies debuting on Netflix in the summer of 2021, each set in different time periods. The latest addition, ‘Fear Street: Prom Queen,’ draws inspiration from Stine’s 1992 book of the same name, offering audiences a thrilling high school prom tale filled with suspense and mystery.

While Stine wasn’t directly involved in the adaptation of ‘Prom Queen,’ he commended the filmmakers for intensifying the suspense and shocks in the movie, remarking on the alterations made to enhance the storytelling experience. Reflecting on the evolving nature of storytelling for modern audiences, Stine embraced the changes made for the screen adaptation and appreciated the heightened sense of intrigue it brought to the narrative.

As the legacy of R.L. Stine’s iconic works continues to captivate audiences across generations, his willingness to acknowledge both the successes and shortcomings of his creations serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the realm of horror literature. With a treasure trove of stories waiting to be explored, Stine’s contribution to the world of children’s and teen horror remains a vital cornerstone of literary history.