Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg
I read this during the Read-a-Thon because I needed a Z title for the A-Z challenge. To be honest, I should have read it with Amber instead of on my own. I think I would have enjoyed it more that way. When I’m reading kids books aloud with her, I try to read it in an interesting way, which in turn makes it more exciting. Also, she’s great about pointing out the details in the illustrations, that I usually rush right past.
This is a sequel to Jumanji, but really covers little new ground. This time the game has a space theme, with robots and meteors and changes in gravity. The two brothers who play go from disliking each other to realizing they need to work together. At the end, thanks to some time travel, everything goes back to the way it was, but the brother has a different, more positive, attitude. I felt like it was mostly a rehash of Jumanji, but with a different theme.
Van Allsburg’s illustrations are well-done, but I wasn’t in awe. Maybe I would have come away with a different impression if I hadn’t been reading it by myself at like 11:00 at night.
I have never watched the movie that was based on it, so I can’t really make any comparisons. It seems like it could translate well, though, so I may have to see if our library has it.
My copy was borrowed from the library and the above is my honest opinion. I am an Amazon Associate.
Amber has such a good eye for art, I bet she is a good person to look at illustrations with. At least you got your Z book out of the way!
I had no idea there was a Jumanji sequel. Loved that book as a child, especially the illustrations. This one sounds a bit disappointing, though.
I think I vaguely remember this book existing, but it may have come around after I was done with my picture book phase. I do remember thinking Chris Van Allsburg was the best illustrator ever, though. And could write a pretty good story, too!
I knew that the film concepts were similar (I’ve seen both movies), but I had no idea that they were written by the same author! I have to say that on a whole, Zathura the film is WAY better than its counterpart. 🙂 But I just love Dax Sheppard, too…he’s such a goofy nut. Good review – I may give the book a try!
I haven’t read the book, but loved the movie!
You should watch it with Amber, I am certain you would both enjoy.
I must admit, that I occasionally read books aloud to myself if it’s got a good amount of dialogue and is interesting. Shh!