R.L. Stine, the author of “Goosebumps,” is the most recent author to have his earlier works edited to be “more inclusive” of today’s culture, though this case seemed self-imposed.

Several books in the children’s horror series, many of which made references to weight, ethnicity, and other delicate subjects, had more than 100 edits, it was disclosed on Friday. Stine reportedly took part in the edits himself, in contrast to recent reports that books were being edited for language.

One instance was a character’s description from the 1996 film “Attack of the Jack-O’-Lanterns,” the previously mentioned character who was “tall and handsome, with dark brown eyes and a great, warm grin. Lee is African-American, and like the rappers in MTV videos, he sort of struts when he walks and behaves really cool.”

The current iteration of the character was described as “With brown skin, dark brown eyes, and a great, friendly smile, she is tall and attractive. He kind of walks with a strut and behaves really cool.”

Another instance substituted “at least six feet six” for “at least six chins” when describing an extraterrestrial.

Also replaced were the words “insane” and “plump” with the words “silly” and “cheerful,” respectively.
Following recent criticism of Penguin Random House Publisher’s children’s imprint Puffin UK, which edited several of Roald Dahl’s classic novels, including “Matilda,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “The Witches,” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” for offensive language, this news was released. A number of character descriptions have been changed to eliminate details like language that is unique to one gender.

Most famously, the Oompa Loompas’ designation as “small men” in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was changed to “small people.”
After a few days, Puffin UK declared that it would keep publishing Dahl’s “classic” books alongside the more “inclusive” editions.

The publisher stated in a press release that readers would be free to choose which version of Dahl’s tales they preferred. “The Roald Dahl Classic Collection will sit alongside the newly released Puffin Roald Dahl books for young readers,” the publisher said.

Soon after the changes were made public, it came to light that Ian Fleming Publications had paid for a review of several James Bond novels to remove any instances of racial insensitivity, including the use of the n-word. Prior to “Casino Royale’s” 70th anniversary publication, this occurred.

A new disclaimer stated, “This book was written at a time when terms and attitudes which might be deemed offensive by contemporary readers were commonplace. This edition includes a number of updates while trying to stay as true to the original text and the time era in which it is set as possible.

Scholastic responded in a statement to Fox News Digital, “Through humour and just the perfect amount of fright, the Goosebumps series has inspired millions of children to read for more than 30 years. Scholastic takes seriously its obligation to keep introducing every new generation to this well-known teen brand. With an emphasis on mental health, Scholastic reviewed the text when re-releasing titles a number of years back in order to keep the language current and avoid imagery that might have a negative effect on a young person’s view of themselves today.”
After “Harry Potter,” the “Goosebumps” series is the best-selling children’s series with over 300 million copies sold globally.