Bibliography:Allsburg, C. V. (1981). Jumanji. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.
Book Summary:
One day brother and sister Peter and Judy find a board game, and decide to take it home with them. Once their parents are gone, Peter and Judy begin playing a game with very real consequences. Tormented by monkeys, being attacked by lions, and surviving a rhino stampede, this game sends Judy and Peter on a an amazing adventure. Is all this really happening, or is it just a product of their imaginations? Read it, and you'll find out :)
My Thoughts:
Growing up I saw the movie version of this book many, many times, but I never realized it was based on a book. Needless to say I felt a bit ridiculous for never reading the book version, because it was fantastic. The realistic quality of Van Allsburg's illustrations really enhance the story, bringing life to the words. I especially loved the monkeys, and was surprised to discover that the movie monkeys looked almost identical to the ones in the book.
Professional Reviews:
*Fantasy and reality merge, overlap and complement each other in Jumanji (81) by Chris van Allsburg. Peter and Jilly are bored and begin a boxed Jungle Adventure game but find themselves integrated with the creatures of the game itself. The illustrations are first class precise draughtsmanship with extraordinary imagery, presented as observation, as the house and jungle become intrinsically and fantastically linked.
(2012, December 12). "Picture books for older readers." [Review of the book Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg]. School Librarian, 160.
*This Caldecott Award winning book has been intriguing people since it first came out. For those of you unfamiliar with the plot, it's the story of a bored brother and sister, left on their own for the afternoon, who find the board game, Jumanji, under a tree in the park. The instructions, on a note attached to the box, are firm: once started, the game must be played to the finish. When the children play the game, each adventure on the board brings the real creatures and events to life and into their home, creating danger and chaos. It isn't until Judy reaches Jumanji, the golden city at the end of the board, and yells the name that everything disappears, broken things are made whole and all is normal. The children put the game back where they found it, telling no one, only to watch children of friends of their parents who are known for not reading directions, take the game.
Hurst, C. (N.d.). [Review of the book Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg]. Retrieved from http://www.carolhurst.com/titles/jumanji.html
Suggested Activities:
I think this book is perfect for a multiple part project rather than a single activity. Have children design their own board games that they will construct themselves. Also have them make up their own rules for their new game, then they can name it. The children will then play their games with each other!
Image Source:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ae/CM_jumanji.jpg
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