R. L. Stein released the first Goosebumps book in 1992, and since then, he has published more than 300

goosebumps books, each with page-turning plots and daring cliffhangers that captured millions of young readers across the world.

But the success of Goosebumps didn't stop there.

The series later inspired an award-winning television show and hit films that starred Jack Black as Stein.

I got the chance to sit down with the beloved author to talk about the ideas behind

goosebumps and his impact on young readers.

I'm Jenna Bush Haker.

Welcome to another episode of Read with Jenna.

Thank you. Mr. Stein, I feel like I have to call you that. No, no, okay, don't do that. What should I call you?

Bob. Bob. That also feels wrong, but Bob, okay. No, no, it's my name. So you are such a formative part of my

childhood and so many kids, because 30 years ago, which feels like a number that's hard to even believe.

Believe me.

Does it feel hard for you?

I'm more than amazed.

Thirty years of this stuff.

How is that possible?

30 years of goosebumps that literally gave kids like me goosebumps when we read them underneath

our sheets with a flashlight. What does it

feel like to have that type of legacy? Well, I never get tired of hearing about kids who read under

the covers with the flashlight. I love that story. And then I love seeing you read all those

goosebumps books and you turned out okay, right, despite those books.

Actually, there's something about fear that makes kids have fun, you know, that makes kids want to turn the page and become lifelong readers.

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