In the book 'Jumanji' by Chris Van Allsburg, two siblings, Judy and Peter, find a mysterious board game in a park and decide to play it. Little do they know that the game brings jungle animals and dangerous situations to life in their home. The siblings must face challenges like lions, monkeys, monsoons, and more as they try to finish the game and return everything back to normal. The story is filled with adventure, fantasy elements, and a sense of urgency to complete the game before their parents return home.

'Jumanji' is a fantasy fiction book that takes readers on a wild journey as Judy and Peter navigate through the unpredictable events brought on by the magical board game. The illustrations by Chris Van Allsburg vividly depict the chaos and excitement that ensue as the game unfolds, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience. The book blends elements of fantasy and reality, offering a thrilling and imaginative tale that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

Characters:

The characters, Peter and Judy, are relatable siblings who navigate fear and excitement as they face the challenges of the game together.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines vivid descriptions and suspenseful elements to engage readers, creating a sense of urgency and adventure.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around two children who play a mystical board game that brings the jungle to life, creating an urgent need to complete the game to return to reality.

Setting:

The setting starts in a quiet suburban home, quickly transitioning to chaotic jungle elements once the game begins.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick, with new adventures unfolding rapidly as the children play the game, maintaining reader engagement.

Notes:

The book is titled 'Jumanji' and is written by Chris Van Allsburg.

It won the Caldecott Medal in 1982 for its illustrations.

The story follows two siblings, Judy and Peter, who find a mysterious board game in the park.

The game comes to life and causes chaos in their home, with real jungle animals appearing.

The key rule of the game is that it will only end when a player reaches the 'Golden City'.

The illustrations in the book are all in black and white, which makes them unique and gives a classic feel.

The book illustrates themes like the importance of following instructions and completing what you start.

The ending suggests that the game may continue to affect others, as two neighborhood boys find it after Judy and Peter return it to the park.

From The Publisher:

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle now Sony's highest grossing film of all time!

Over thirty years ago, Peter and Judy first found the game-Jumanji-with the instructions that once the game is started, it must be finished or it will go on forever-and it was then, with this same wonderment, readers found Jumanji, too. Since its original publication, Jumanji has been honored with many awards, including the Caldecott Medal, and in 1996, the surreal story was adapted to fit the big screen for the first time.

Ratings (6)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (8):

Read It (7)
Want To Read (1)

1 comment(s)

Andy Cassavetes

Loved It

8 months

A milestone in the genre, a curious kid-book with a weird and original story, unique characters. The main character is the boardgame, for the first time in literature'history

What can you read after
Jumanji?

See the list (68 books)

About the Author:

Chris Van Allsburg is the winner of two Caldecott Medals, for Jumanji and The Polar Express, as well as the recipient of a Caldecott Honor Book for The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. The author and illustrator of numerous picture books for children, he has also been awarded the Regina Medal for lifetime achievement in children's literature. In 1982, Jumanji was nominated for a National Book Award and in 1996, it was made into a popular feature film. Chris Van Allsburg is a former instructor at the Rhode Island School of Design. Visit him at chrisvanallsburg.com.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Jumanji

Chris Van Allsburg