‘Goosebumps’ author R.L. Stine’s NJ event draws generations of fans
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- The appearance coincides with the release of his new book, “Nightmare on Nightmare Street.”
- Stine, known for the “Goosebumps” series, has sold over 400 million books worldwide.
- The event is a collaboration between the Cranford Theater, the Cranford Bookstore, and Blackstone Publishing.
For more than 40 years, readers have pulled the covers over their heads, flashlight in hand, to dive into the spooky worlds created by R.L. Stine.
Generations of children have grown up reading Stine’s books, with his “Goosebumps” series becoming a staple of childhood reading. The enduring popularity of his work was on full display when tickets for his upcoming appearance in Cranford sold out in just four hours.
Stine will appear Feb. 21 at the Cranford Theater in an event presented in collaboration with the Cranford Bookstore and Blackstone Publishing. The program includes an author talk, audience Q&A, meet-and-greet, book signing and photo opportunity.
“We’re honored to host R.L. Stine at the theater,” said Doreen Sayegh, owner of the Cranford Theater. “His stories have sparked imaginations for so many generations, and bringing this icon to our hometown theater really captures what we’re about — creating shared experiences that bring the community together.”
The nearly 100-year-old theater recently reopened following extensive renovations. While modernized, the venue retains the charm of a classic hometown theater, including its iconic marquee and red-and-black interior design.
“It also shows the impact this author has had,” Sayegh said. “To see an event sell out that quickly, across generations, is really special.”
Stine’s appearance coincides with the release of his newest book, “Nightmare on Nightmare Street.” During the event, he will share stories, behind-the-scenes insights and scares with fans of all ages. Each attendee will receive a copy of the book and a free audiobook of “Nightmare on Nightmare Street” or another Stine title.
Over the course of his career, Stine has sold more than 400 million books worldwide, making him one of the bestselling children’s authors of all time. In addition to the “Goosebumps” and “Fear Street” series, his catalog includes “Rotten School,” “Mostly Ghostly” and hundreds of standalone titles.
Stine began writing at age 9 after discovering a typewriter. He started his professional career writing humor in the 1970s before transitioning to horror fiction in 1986 with “Blind Date.” That shift led to the creation of “Fear Street” in 1989 and “Goosebumps” in 1992.
Even after decades in publishing, Stine maintains a demanding writing schedule, spending hours each day working on new material.
“My friends at Blackstone asked me to write a new book that would be enjoyed by both new fans and longtime readers,” Stine said. “I can’t wait to share this book with everyone in Cranford.”
The visit was made possible through Blackstone Publishing, which has worked with Stine since 2023. Blackstone President Anthony Goff said convincing Stine to appear in Cranford was easier than expected.
“I told him we’d pick him up, take him to the bookstore, put him in front of some people and have a good time,” Goff said. “He said, ‘OK, that sounds like fun.’ That’s just who he is.”
Goff described Stine as kind, funny and deeply committed to encouraging new generations of readers. He said Stine’s appearances routinely draw crowds that extend well beyond his original audience.
“These aren’t just kids,” Goff said. “They’re adults in their 20s and 30s, young parents — people who grew up reading his books. So many of them tell him, ‘You’re the reason I read.’”
Goff said “Nightmare on Nightmare Street” reflects Stine’s effort to appeal to both children and adults, allowing families to read or listen to the book together.
Owners of the Cranford Bookstore, Kate Lydon and Lauren King, said they are thrilled to be part of the event. The bookstore opened in September.
“As a new, small business, being connected to an author like R.L. Stine is incredibly meaningful,” Lydon said. “Cranford has really shown up for us.”
Lydon said she grew up reading Stine’s books herself.
“His name brings back so many memories,” she said. “Now it feels like he’s bringing generations together. My kids are going to read the new book before the event.”
All three partners — the theater, bookstore and publisher — hope the sold-out event leads to future collaborations.
“How lucky are we to have a local bookstore and a hometown theater you can walk to?” Goff said. “We’re all trying to keep the arts alive, and this is a great way to do that together.”
For more information, visit blackstonepublishing.com, cranfordtheater.com or thecranfordbookstore.com.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
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