Easton Press Jumanji


Jumanji: The Board Game that Brought Adventures to Life

In the realm of children's literature and cinematic adventures, the name Jumanji has become synonymous with a world of excitement, danger, and magical escapades. The tale of Jumanji began with the creative imagination of author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg.

Published in 1981, Van Allsburg's picture book Jumanji introduced readers to a mysterious and magical board game that had the power to bring its wild and unpredictable events to life. The story revolves around two siblings, Peter and Judy Shepherd, who discover the game in their new home. As they roll the dice and move their game pieces, they unwittingly unleash a series of jungle-themed hazards and creatures into their world.

The allure of Jumanji lies not only in its fantastical premise but also in the intricate and captivating illustrations that accompany the narrative. Van Allsburg's detailed artwork immerses readers in the chaos and wonder that unfolds as the siblings attempt to navigate and survive the unpredictable challenges emerging from the game.

The success of the book paved the way for the creation of a beloved franchise, expanding beyond the pages of the original work. In 1995, Jumanji made the leap to the big screen in a film adaptation directed by Joe Johnston. Starring Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, and Bradley Pierce, the movie brought the magical board game to life in a new and visually stunning way. The film follows the story of two orphans, Alan Parrish (played by Robin Williams) and Sarah Whittle (played by Bonnie Hunt), who release the game's chaos after rolling the dice years earlier. When siblings Judy and Peter Shepherd discover the abandoned game, they, along with a reluctant adult Alan, must finish the game to undo its effects and restore order to their world.

The success of the 1995 film led to a resurgence of interest in the Jumanji universe. In 2017, a sequel titled Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was released, featuring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. Departing from the board game premise, this installment introduced a video game version of Jumanji, with players getting transported into the jungle world through a console. The sequel's success prompted the creation of another installment, Jumanji: The Next Level, released in 2019, which continued the comedic and adventurous journey with a new twist on the characters and challenges.

The legacy of Jumanji endures as a testament to the power of imagination and the timeless appeal of stories that transport audiences into worlds where anything is possible. From the pages of a beloved book to the silver screen, Jumanji remains a cherished part of literary and cinematic history, inviting audiences of all ages to roll the dice and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Jumanji - Once the game is started, it must be finished or it will go on forever - includes a CD narrated by the late Robin Williams




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