The Goosebumps series of young adult horror books is heading to the big screen.

Columbia Pictures has snapped up the film rights to R.L. Stine's novellas from publisher Scholastic.

62 stories were published in the series between 1992 and 1997, selling 300 million copies worldwide.

It is hoped the movie version will develop into a franchise, reports Variety.

Co-producer Neal Moritz (I Am Legend) said he is looking to cast unknown child actors and feature well-known stars in supporting roles.

A live-action TV show based on the Goosebumps series aired on the Fox Kids Network in the 1990s.