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The Large Family #1
Five Minutes' Peace
One morning Mrs Large, needing some peace and quiet away from her boisterous children, decides to take refuge in the bathroom. She fills herself a foamy bubble-bath and takes in a tray of her favourite breakfast - but finds her peace is to be very short-lived.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
24 people are currently reading
1126 people want to read
About the author
Jill Murphy
88 books341 followersJill Murphy was a London-born English children's author, best known for The Worst Witch series and the Large Family picture books. She has been described as "one of the most engaging writers and illustrators for children in the land."
Jill Murphy was born in London and attended the Ursuline Convent in Wimbledon which, together with the boarding school stories she enjoyed reading, provided much of the material and inspiration Miss Cackle's Academy in the The Worst Witch, which she started when she was 15. She put the book on hold as she attended both Chelsea and Croydon Art Schools, but continued to write it whilst living in a village in Togo, West Africa for a year and then whilst working as a nanny back at home. The book was published when Jill turned 24 and proved an instant success. However, Jill continued working as a nanny until the publication of The Worst Witch Strikes Again prompted her to devote herself to full-time writing. The Worst Witch stories have become some of the most outstandingly successful titles on the Young Puffin paperback list and have sold more than 3 million copies. They were also made into a major ITV series. She was also well known for her picture books and was commended in the 1980 Kate Greenaway Medal for Peace at Last. A Quiet Night In was shortlisted for the same medal in 1994. She was perhaps best known for the very popular Mr and Mrs Large picture books, which detail the domestic chaos of an elephant family. Five Minute's Peace won the 1987 Parents Magazine Best Books for Babies Award, as well as being shortlisted for the 1986 Children's Book Award. All in One Piece was highly commended for the 1987 Kate Greenaway Award and shortlisted for the 1987 Children's Book Award. The Last Noo-noo won the 0-5 category of the 1995 Smarties Book Prize and in the same year was shortlisted for the English 4-11 Outstanding Children's Book of the Year, going on to win the 1996 Sheffield Children's Book Award. It won the 1996 Gateshead Gold Award. In the same year it was adapted as a play and performed at the Polka Theatre, London.
Jill Murphy was born in London and attended the Ursuline Convent in Wimbledon which, together with the boarding school stories she enjoyed reading, provided much of the material and inspiration Miss Cackle's Academy in the The Worst Witch, which she started when she was 15. She put the book on hold as she attended both Chelsea and Croydon Art Schools, but continued to write it whilst living in a village in Togo, West Africa for a year and then whilst working as a nanny back at home. The book was published when Jill turned 24 and proved an instant success. However, Jill continued working as a nanny until the publication of The Worst Witch Strikes Again prompted her to devote herself to full-time writing. The Worst Witch stories have become some of the most outstandingly successful titles on the Young Puffin paperback list and have sold more than 3 million copies. They were also made into a major ITV series. She was also well known for her picture books and was commended in the 1980 Kate Greenaway Medal for Peace at Last. A Quiet Night In was shortlisted for the same medal in 1994. She was perhaps best known for the very popular Mr and Mrs Large picture books, which detail the domestic chaos of an elephant family. Five Minute's Peace won the 1987 Parents Magazine Best Books for Babies Award, as well as being shortlisted for the 1986 Children's Book Award. All in One Piece was highly commended for the 1987 Kate Greenaway Award and shortlisted for the 1987 Children's Book Award. The Last Noo-noo won the 0-5 category of the 1995 Smarties Book Prize and in the same year was shortlisted for the English 4-11 Outstanding Children's Book of the Year, going on to win the 1996 Sheffield Children's Book Award. It won the 1996 Gateshead Gold Award. In the same year it was adapted as a play and performed at the Polka Theatre, London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
September 28, 2021
Another of my childhood favourites which I've enjoyed even more revisiting as a parent, can completely relate to Mrs Large as even a simple pleasure of having a relaxing bath is nonexistent once child are involved!
October 21, 2013
The story of my life, I almost cried when I saw it.
It was really funny when I was "trying" to read to the kids tonight as I also have three kids and I kept referring to them and they giggled.
And then I needed five minutes peace afterwards.
(You would not believe how many times I was interrupted while writing this review.)
It was really funny when I was "trying" to read to the kids tonight as I also have three kids and I kept referring to them and they giggled.
And then I needed five minutes peace afterwards.
(You would not believe how many times I was interrupted while writing this review.)
December 22, 2016
As a child this was one of my favourite stories. I loved reading about the Large family, with its long-suffering mother who just needs a break! The illustrations are adorable too. A firm family favourite.
August 9, 2009
This is such a fun portrayal of a scenario every mom faces now and again--the great need for just five minutes all to herself!!! Of course, the children can't quite understand this and keep wanting to join in on her fun. The scene with all of the kids climbing into the bathtub with her is priceless!!! :-D
March 15, 2020
This book is a much loved classic - it should be on every child’s bookcase! The story is simple and engaging and relatable to adults and children alike.
July 7, 2015
I don't know where my copy has gone! I simply can't have thrown it out! Did it get worn out?My first meeting of an adorable great niece (who amazingly survived meningitis)& I ignored her until I reread her copy of this wonderful book!
Out of all the great books I read to my children this was my favourite. Beautifully illustrated, the text is on two levels, so that adults can enjoy a wry smile while reading it to their youngsters.
Just can't recommend highly enough!
Out of all the great books I read to my children this was my favourite. Beautifully illustrated, the text is on two levels, so that adults can enjoy a wry smile while reading it to their youngsters.
Just can't recommend highly enough!
August 11, 2012
I didn't really like five minutes' peace. It just seemed like the mother wanted to get away from her children throughout the entire story. She became increasingly frustrated with them and didn't attempt to hide it. In the end, Mrs. Large never did get her five minutes away. This book didn't send a good vibe... Not my favorite for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2020
My wife literally exclaimed, " This is me." I retorted," Would you characterize yourself as Mrs Large?". She said, " After two kids, and countless sleepless nights; definitely ".
October 16, 2015
Five minutes peace is a story involving the Large Family, a family of elephants that consists of Mr Large, Mrs Large, Lester, Laura and Baby. Mrs Large stacks a tray with several items she likes and tries to go upstairs for a bath and ‘five minutes peace’ from the family. However, the children have other ideas. First Lester comes in to play his mother a tune, this is followed by Laura wanting to read her mother a book and then baby brings in some toys for her to play with. The story ends up with all of the elephants in the bath together and Mrs Large’s five minutes peace is lost.
This is a fun and relatable story for children to read and listen to. Children are able to relate the characters to those within their own family and allows for the children to consider the thoughts and feelings of the characters. Children can consider why the children would not leave their mother alone and how Mrs Large may be feeling when the children come into the bathroom. Also, could look at what Mrs Large could have done to prevent the children coming in or if Mr Large could have helped in anyway.
Also, a story which can be used for children to re-write particular sections. Taking the section of when Lester, Laura and baby come into the bathroom, children can explore what items they may bring; what they may read instead of a book or what story they may read, a different instrument or melody they may play, and what they may bring for their mother instead of toys as baby did. Children may also explore what items they may wish to put on the tray if they had to choose. This could also include some phonic work to sound out the items they have chosen.
A great fun story with many relatable characters and several uses for a key stage one classroom.
This is a fun and relatable story for children to read and listen to. Children are able to relate the characters to those within their own family and allows for the children to consider the thoughts and feelings of the characters. Children can consider why the children would not leave their mother alone and how Mrs Large may be feeling when the children come into the bathroom. Also, could look at what Mrs Large could have done to prevent the children coming in or if Mr Large could have helped in anyway.
Also, a story which can be used for children to re-write particular sections. Taking the section of when Lester, Laura and baby come into the bathroom, children can explore what items they may bring; what they may read instead of a book or what story they may read, a different instrument or melody they may play, and what they may bring for their mother instead of toys as baby did. Children may also explore what items they may wish to put on the tray if they had to choose. This could also include some phonic work to sound out the items they have chosen.
A great fun story with many relatable characters and several uses for a key stage one classroom.
September 19, 2017
Recently I was visiting my hometown and my mother decided to clean out the attic and purge clutter. She discovered a box of my favorite childhood books, and I was flipping through them to decide if I should keep or donate all of them. This was one I loved and I definitely enjoy the humor even more as an adult. A treasure. I adore Jill Murphy's work.
October 18, 2016
I had forgotten how much I loved this book. It used to a childhood favourite of mine and I found it in a charity shop over the weekend so decided to give it a read. I would strongly recommend this book to a KS1 class to discuss how hard parents work and the importance of having our own time.
October 11, 2021
I like it when there mother makes her breakfast and she has the leftover cake.
July 27, 2018
I believe this is a picture book for parents. You might find it funny, or it might hit too close to home. You'll have to be the judge of whether a-touch-grumpy Mrs. Large and her failed attempts to get away from her needy children brings a chuckle or a sigh.
Cleanliness: children weasel their way into their mom's alone time (even though she tells them to go) and one of the children by telling her that she's not fair and must like one of the other kids better.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Cleanliness: children weasel their way into their mom's alone time (even though she tells them to go) and one of the children by telling her that she's not fair and must like one of the other kids better.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
January 14, 2019
Mrs large looks after her children all the time and would like five minute peace . When she tries to relax she ends up having a bath with all the children.
The story is told with speech marks and written as a narrative, the story using descriptive words and clearly explains the plot which will help children to understand what is happening. The illustrations in the poem are simple with bright colours and detail.
The reader could bring experiences to the book, if they were an adult they may understand Mrs large and feel the same about children and not having five minutes peace for themselves.
The story is told with speech marks and written as a narrative, the story using descriptive words and clearly explains the plot which will help children to understand what is happening. The illustrations in the poem are simple with bright colours and detail.
The reader could bring experiences to the book, if they were an adult they may understand Mrs large and feel the same about children and not having five minutes peace for themselves.
February 8, 2019
Oh I just love this!
Firstly, because our ex=neighbours were the Large family.
Secondly, because this book is about our family 😄. I and my seven siblings were always pestering my dear sainted mother when she was taking a bath. Unfortunately she never locked the door, and I have a clear memory of sitting on the (lid down, naturlich!) toilet beside the bath and chatting merrily away to the poor woman! 😆
PS I also put it on record here that I HATE autocorrect with a passion! 😡
Firstly, because our ex=neighbours were the Large family.
Secondly, because this book is about our family 😄. I and my seven siblings were always pestering my dear sainted mother when she was taking a bath. Unfortunately she never locked the door, and I have a clear memory of sitting on the (lid down, naturlich!) toilet beside the bath and chatting merrily away to the poor woman! 😆
PS I also put it on record here that I HATE autocorrect with a passion! 😡
July 29, 2024
Suuuuuch a tough read but soooooo worth it. I don't know if I'll ever be able to put myself through it again, but suuuuch an important read
November 30, 2012
“Because I want five minutes’ peace from you lot, “said Mrs Large”
This is a jolly book about a mum who just needs five minutes break. Mrs Large (mum) sneaks away from the messy house and the noisy children and takes refuge in the bath with a cup of tea. Mum is no sooner enjoying the peace when one by one the children barge into the bathroom to play instruments and recite stories and just create havoc in general. Through all the commotion, all three children end up in the bath with mum and baby elephant even forgets to take off his clothes in the whirlwind of excitement.
This is a comical story given from the view point of a stressed out, overworked mum. It gives children an insight into the craziness of mums day and allows readers to see that even mum needs a break and that we need to respect peoples space and wishes.
The illustrations in the book are bright, colourful and offer great scope for speaking and listening sessions. Through anthropomorphism the children’s imaginations are widened allowing them to think outside the box which can lead to great creative writing. I have found this book extremely helpful in my year one class for sequencing events and also for EAL students as the pictures really capture the full story. This allows EAL students to use simple language such as, funny, to describe what they see on the page or cross to describe mum etc. The simple text is also great for beginners to the English language.
Overall I love this book as it allows enjoyment for the adult reading the book and this humour is not lost on the children either.
This is a jolly book about a mum who just needs five minutes break. Mrs Large (mum) sneaks away from the messy house and the noisy children and takes refuge in the bath with a cup of tea. Mum is no sooner enjoying the peace when one by one the children barge into the bathroom to play instruments and recite stories and just create havoc in general. Through all the commotion, all three children end up in the bath with mum and baby elephant even forgets to take off his clothes in the whirlwind of excitement.
This is a comical story given from the view point of a stressed out, overworked mum. It gives children an insight into the craziness of mums day and allows readers to see that even mum needs a break and that we need to respect peoples space and wishes.
The illustrations in the book are bright, colourful and offer great scope for speaking and listening sessions. Through anthropomorphism the children’s imaginations are widened allowing them to think outside the box which can lead to great creative writing. I have found this book extremely helpful in my year one class for sequencing events and also for EAL students as the pictures really capture the full story. This allows EAL students to use simple language such as, funny, to describe what they see on the page or cross to describe mum etc. The simple text is also great for beginners to the English language.
Overall I love this book as it allows enjoyment for the adult reading the book and this humour is not lost on the children either.
January 14, 2021
I've never read this book until now, but it became a favorite once I did.
This book highlights the true enough struggles of parenthood: inwardly knowing you will have to clean up the messes your children have made, wanting some private time without them to give yourself some much-needed self-care, and the unfortunate moment when your private time is interrupted by your child's genuinely good intentions. The adorable illustrations only showcase this further.
I'm a bit concerned with Mrs. Large's actions, though. I completely understand her wanting privacy, and I'm sure it's a perfectly fine thing to leave your children to tend to themselves for a few minutes, but anything can happen when children are unsupervised.
May 19, 2017
As a mother of two young boys (who follow me EVERYWHERE) I could easily relate with this book. Both boys loved the story... I'm just not sure they took in the subtle message...
November 22, 2018
Really cute story with wonderful illustrations. But 2, one to give away!
June 6, 2020
Only a mother can understand what being a mother is like--it's enjoyable, but sometimes it gets so frantic that the mother wishes for only five minutes alone. That's what Mrs. Large, a mother of 3 elephants wants for herself. But when you have 3 children, it’s not easy.
The book so reflects our everyday life (with our two children) that me and my wife just laughed and rated it 5.
The book so reflects our everyday life (with our two children) that me and my wife just laughed and rated it 5.
November 6, 2018
Can totally relate to Mrs Large in this story. The story just made me laugh because it was like taking a peek into my world. Haha! Such a classic and delightful story similar to the rest of the series about the ‘Large family’. The illustrations are beautiful too.
November 13, 2018
Poor Mrs Large just wants 5 minutes peace! Very sweet story. I love the illustrations particularly the large family- very cute.
September 9, 2020
absolute NOSTALGIA! i loved this book as a kid, i imagine it would be super relatable now it i had my own kids!
June 20, 2023
A children’s book or a harried mother’s book? I do remember needing just a moment as a young mom . . . but not really wanting it. Now as a grandmother to teens, I miss those times of when the children want to be with you more than anyone else in the world. I get the humor but I am more poignant remembering the days of little ones. Remember, young moms, these days flee only too quickly.
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December 19, 2023A family favorite that I now read to kindergarteners. After this has been read, the title is an understood statement.
March 21, 2025
C'est bien de faire comprendre aux enfants que oui, les parents ont besoin de faire des petites pauses pour souffler et se reposer de temps en temps.
August 14, 2019
Mama said this book was very accurate. :D
December 26, 2018
Loved revisiting this childhood favourite with my step niece.
May 3, 2012
'Five Minutes' Peace' by Jill Murphy, tells the story of a mother elephant who just wants some time alone in the bath, however her three children have other ideas! This is a family orientated story that children and parents will be able to relate to, it could be used as part of a families topic or to generate discussion for Mother's Day. This is a story I would use with children in the EYFS because of the simple lexis and big, bold pictures.
The anthropomorphism present in the story attracts children's interest and captures their imaginations, this will help them in the future when they are asked to write their own stories. 'Five Minutes' Peace' is one of a series of books based on the 'Large family', another popular story in the series is 'A Piece of Cake'. It would be really nice to read the whole series of books to the children, so they can gain a greater understanding of the characters.
'Five Minutes' Peace' is a story that would be suitably stored in a classroom book area, as its very much a story that children would choose to read for pleasure. It is easy to follow because of the familiar situation, so children with English as an Additional Language will have some understanding of the storyline. Children generally, will also be able to answer questions on the story supporting early comprehension skills.
The anthropomorphism present in the story attracts children's interest and captures their imaginations, this will help them in the future when they are asked to write their own stories. 'Five Minutes' Peace' is one of a series of books based on the 'Large family', another popular story in the series is 'A Piece of Cake'. It would be really nice to read the whole series of books to the children, so they can gain a greater understanding of the characters.
'Five Minutes' Peace' is a story that would be suitably stored in a classroom book area, as its very much a story that children would choose to read for pleasure. It is easy to follow because of the familiar situation, so children with English as an Additional Language will have some understanding of the storyline. Children generally, will also be able to answer questions on the story supporting early comprehension skills.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews