From Jumanji to Kilauea in one glorious afternoon

Prelude:

1) I was 21 when the movie Jumanji came out.

2) I had never read the book.

3) The movie scared me to death.

Present Day:

Though The Polar Express is one of my boys' most treasured books, I was reluctant to bring Chris Van Allsburg's other famous book into our home.

But I must've been feeling adventurous this month. I picked up a copy of Jumanji on a whim at the library one day. When I showed the book to my five-year-old Matthew, his fear picked up where mine left off. He took one look at the cover, shook his head and put it back in the special basket where our library books live.

There wasn't much I could offer. I, frankly, didn't blame him.

A few days later, I informed him that the guy who wrote it and drew all the pictures is the same guy who created The Polar Express. This nugget of information peaked his curiosity and gave him the courage to take a brave step.

He opened the cover and handed me the book. We entered the world of Jumanji.

To my surprise, the book was way better than the movie. Matthew smiled and giggled as the story unfolded. My two-year-old is a lover of all things monkey, so he danced around ooh-ooh-ing, eee-eee-ing and aah-ahh-ing. Matthew, a lover of all things severe weather, was full of glee when the plot revealed a monsoon in Peter and Judy's house.

I usually say that a child's highest praise for a book is the one coveted word, "Again!"

This week I learned another high form of praise: when a book inspires a child to action.

Before I had closed the last pages of Jumanji, Matthew jumped to his feet, hot on the heels of a plan. He instructed me quickly, "I need my crayons, a biiiiiiiig piece of paper and maybe your tracing paper!"

We set to work -- he, on a mission; me, his humble assistant.

His own game board quickly took shape on his paper. After a few renditions on trace, he unveiled his creation. Kilauea.

Each player begins in Iceland. Along the way one encounters and narrowly escapes the clutches of volcanoes, cyclones, and tsunamis. Whoever gets to Hawaii first must shout, "Hawaii!!!" and then enjoys the spoils of victory. The winner is whisked away to view the spontaneous eruption of Mt. Kilauea (from a safe distance) on the wrap-around balcony of a high-rise island resort hotel. Not bad for a five year old.

Kudos, Mr. Van Allsburg, for a glorious afternoon with my boy.

Conclusion:

Jumanji reminded me of two well known bits of wisdom:

1) Always read the book before watching the movie.

2) Books rock.