Module 3-- Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg

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Summary:
Judy and Peter find a board game called Jumanji in the park.  Peter thought the game would be boring, but Judy convinced him to play.  A note on the box warned them to read the instructions carefully.  The instructions told them they had to finish the game by having a player reach the Golden City.  As they play, the jungle game comes to life.  A lion, a group of monkeys, a guide, rain and a rhinoceros stampede invade their home as they play.  They know they must play until one of them wins to make it all stop.  Finally, Judy reaches the Golden City and shouts Jumanji!  Their ransacked house goes back to normal.  They return the game to the park.  Their parents return home with guests.  The guests say their children never read directions.  The book ends with their guests' children running home from the park with the game.
APA Reference:
Van Allsburg, C. (1981). Jumanji.  Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

My Impressions: 
Fun book!  It's a great way to remind children to read the directions. (Spoken like a true teacher!)  Of course, being a Caldecott Medal winner the illustrations steal the show.  Van Allsburg's drawings are realistic, almost photo-like.  This includes captivating drawings of the animals.  What child would not stop for a second look at a picture of monkeys in someone's kitchen?  Better still, the children's expressions are equally realistic.  It's easy to identify Judy's shock in the monkey illustration and Peter's fear as the lion seeks him out.  I remember the movie with Robin Williams.  It was quite animated and exciting.  Nonetheless, the book holds its own with these fun illustrations and Van Allsburg's understated humor. 

Professional Reviews:
Ever wonder what would happen if a board game came to life? Peter and Judy find out in this exciting tale in which volcanoes, stampeding rhinoceros, monsoons and more come to life. Black and white sketches leave lots to stimulate the reader's imagination in this well-written adventure.


H. (n.d.) [Review of the book Jumanji, by C. Van Allsburg].  Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.  Retrieved from http://www.cmlibrary.org/bookhive/books/details.asp?id=681

I thought this children’s book was fantastic. I loved the Polar Express, and I feel the same way now about Jumanji. Both stories are just something that the adventurous part of us longs to imagine may actually happen. Children will gain a new appreciation and understanding of ‘picture books’ when they read Jumanji. They will feel that great force that a good book has that tugs them into it. That force is reminds me a lot of the most important rule in Jumanji “Once a game of Jumanji is started, it will not be over until one player reaches the Golden City.” With a good book such as this one, it is very important to remember: Once a great book is started, you will not be able to put it down until you finish it.


[Review of the book Jumanji, by C. Van Allsburg]. (n.d.).  Children's Book Guide.  Retrieved from http://childrensbooksguide.com/reviews/jumanji-by-chris-van-allsburg


Library Uses:
Setting Clues: After a read aloud, ask students to identify characteristics about the family by examining details of their home.  These could include the large statue in front of the home (wealthy family), books (educated), piano (musical), clean and neat (tidy), and vases (formal).