BOOK 1 - August 25th 2026
‘ESCAPE FROM THE CHROME DOME’
Readers decide their own fate in the interactive middle grade Craniacs series inspired by the collectible trading cards of the same name, from beloved and bestselling author R.L. Stine and the artist behind the Garbage Pail Kids, Joe Simko.
In this first book, a looming volcano eruption leads to a flaming-hot competition in the skull-shaped Chrome Dome. Includes awesome illustrations throughout!
When the ultra-futuristic planet Futerra and the Stone Age–style Retrovia smashed together, they formed one world with two very different populations who must find a way to live in peace. Their solution? The Chrome Dome, where danger is the name of the game and kids compete in wild and wacky challenges to settle domestic and interplanetary disputes.
It’s a battle to the fiery, lava-filled death when a giant volcano on Retrovia is about to explode and destroy the entire planet. The winner will have to get past the hot-snot-dripping, pointy-toothed Boarger, scale the Slippery Sock Slide of Ultimate Shame, traverse the Exploding Toilets of Doom obstacle course, and pass the Excuse Me, Your Zip Line Is on Fire challenge.
In each interactive book in the Craniacs series, it’s up to the reader to make the correct choices and outlive the competition. Good luck! You’ll need it.
BOOK 2 - August 25th 2026
‘REVENGE OF THE
RHINOBINO’
Readers decide their own fate in the interactive middle grade Craniacs series inspired by the collectible trading cards of the same name, from beloved and bestselling author R.L. Stine and the artist behind the Garbage Pail Kids, Joe Simko.
In this second book, a school field trip ends in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with a dangerous beast. Includes awesome illustrations throughout!
When the ultra-futuristic planet Futerra and the Stone Age–style Retrovia smashed together, they formed one world with two very different populations who must find a way to live in peace. Their solution? The Chrome Dome, where danger is the name of the game and kids compete in wild and wacky challenges to settle domestic and interplanetary disputes.
The kids of Futerra and Retrovia are taking a break from Chrome Dome challenges to pile on the skull buses for a school trip to the skull dogs eating contest on Boney Island. By the end of the competition, every single skull dog on the island has been eaten. Unfortunately, the local beast Rhinobino loves snacking on skull dogs, and with none left, he’s ready for his second favorite food: Craniacs! Making it to safety means getting past other dangerous cranimals: saber-toothed hamsters, lava lizards, a Bonosaurus Rex, and more!
In each interactive book in the Craniacs series, it’s up to the reader to make the correct choices and outlive the competition. Good luck! You’ll need it.
R.L. STINE, the creator of global phenomenon GOOSEBUMPS, and publishing powerhouse SIMON & SCHUSTER, have joined forces to introduce a series of ‘CRANIACS’ books geared towards middle-school kids ages 8 and up. R. L. Stine is on board to write three 'Create Your CRANIACS Quest’ titles; the first two launching simultaneously on August 25, 2026: ESCAPE FROM THE CHROME DOME and REVENGE OF THE RHINOBINO. With over 400 million GOOSEBUMPS in print, Stine brings an unrivaled track record and a limitless imagination that places him in rarefied air in book publishing history. Complementing Stine’s storytelling are spectacular cover paintings and detailed interior illustrations from ‘CRANIACS’ co-creator and celebrated artist Joe Simko.
'Create Your
Craniacs Quest'
Book Series by
Simon & Schuster
