I would say that most people know of the story of Jumanji from the 1995 feature film directed by Joe Johnston and starring Robin Williams, but what went on to become a classic film once was a simple short children’s picture book in 1981 by Chris Van Allsburg.
Roll the dice, make your move, and plunge into one of the most imaginative stories of our time!
The game under the tree looked like a hundred others Peters and Judy had at home. But they were searching for something interesting to do, so they decided to give Jumanji a try. Little did they know when they unfolded its ordinary-looking playing board that they were about to be launched into the most exciting and bizarre adventure of their lives…
This story about a game that comes startlingly to life is a family favorite that inspires imagination and explores the ever-shifting line between fantasy and reality.
First published in 1981, Jumanji offers a unique charm and artistic storytelling. Chris Van Allsburg blends children’s storytelling with outstanding illustrations to craft one of the most popular stories for decades. Allsburg captures the attention of young readers through a simple narrative of roll the dice and make your move with wild results. Van Allsburg’s rich illustrations has made for a classic book with his ability to tell this tale through detailed pencil drawings where anything can happen.
The 32-page children’s picture book laid the foundation for the 1995 film adaptation that has been part of movie legend for many years. While it is sometimes hard to admit, the film adaptation soars over the original book by leaps and bounds. The 1981 book gave the premise on where Joe Johnston was able to build a film off, but really lacks in the action and adventure we get in the movie. While animals and such randomly appearing your house is surprising, the journey we take alongside Robin Williams in the feature film is much more adventurous with greater consequences.
Jumanji the film gives nods to the original tale, but really builds off the story in ways that Van Allsburg did not. Of course, the film had to tell a longer story, giving them reason to add so much more to the tale. However, we would not have the feature film without the source material. Where the story falls a bit more subdued, it makes up for with outstanding artwork and unique story premise.
The Jumanji film from 1995 still reigns supreme in the film series, although the franchise has gone on to rake in $2 billion in the box office. We would not have the 1995 film, nor the reboots, if not for the original book by Chris Van Allsburg in 1981. The illustrations and base premise is fantastic and has lead to a wonderful world of Jumanji adaptations and sequels.
Jumanji is available at bookstores everywhere. An audiobook by an ensemble cast is available at Libro.fm!
