The story ends when Judy and Peter look outside and see their neighbors, Danny and Walter Budwing, excitedly returning from the park with Jumanji in their hands with the knowledge that their mother claims the brothers never bother to finish the games they play nor read the instructions. In an instant, everything is back to normal and the siblings quickly return to the park and put the game back where they found it before their parents return. The game finally ends when Judy wins and yells the name of the game. Still they continue to play, hoping that if they finish the game everything will go back to normal. Judy rolls on a stampede of rhinos, Peter rolls on a monsoon, and Judy rolls on an explorer-and each appears in real life to wreak havoc in the house. For example, when Peter rolls on a lion, an actual lion appears, which Judy and Peter trap in their mother's bedroom. The pair soon discovers that any dangers encountered in the game spring to life somewhere in the house. Ignoring the warning, they start to play. Taking the game home, they find a warning message stating, 'Do not begin unless you intend to finish'.

There, they find a safari-themed board game called ' Jumanji'.

While their parents are out for the day, Judy and Peter Shepherd, after playing with some toys, become bored and decide to go to the park. Ī sequel to the book, titled Zathura, was released in 2002. The book was adapted into a 1995 film of the same name and it spawned a franchise that includes three sequels and an animated series.Īccording to Van Allsburg, the name Jumanji is a Zulu word meaning 'many effects,' referring to “the exciting consequences of the game,” which includes the unleashing of wild monkeys, untamed tigers and huge spiders into the world. The book is about an enchanted board game that implements wild animals and other jungle elements as the game is played in real life. Jumanji is a 1981 fantasy children's picture book written and illustrated by American author Chris Van Allsburg.

Jumanji by chris van allsburg summary