Jumanji is recognised as a picture book classic, deserving of a place on every child’s bookshelf, and it’s great to see this new 30th anniversary edition. Judy and Peter’s parents leave them alone in the house while they go out. Left to their own devices the children head to the park where they discover a mysterious jungle adventure board game, Jumanji: it’s marked ‘fun for some but not for all. PS. Read instructions carefully’. Landing on the wrong squares releases wild animals into the house, as well as a monsoon storm and volcanic eruption. Van Allsburg’s fine pencil illustrations have an almost architectural beauty, yet are full of movement and danger. Because Judy and Peter do read the instructions carefully, all ends well, though we’re not sure how future owners will do. Wonderful for all. Andrea Reece
The game under the tree looked like a hundred others Peter and Judy had at home. But they were bored and restless and, looking for something interesting to do, thought they'd give Jumanji a try. Little did they know when they unfolded its ordinary-looking playing board that they were about to be plunged into the most exciting and bizzare adventure of their lives.
Chris van Allsburg lives in Providence, Rhode Island and lectures at the Rhode Island School of Design. He is a sculptor and artist, who first won the Caldecott Medal for Jumanji and then won it again for Polar Express.
