Mr. Large in Charge

The Large Family #5

by Jill Murphy

"Jill Murphy’s latest insightful snapshot of parenthood is a thumpingly entertaining picture book about elephants, and us." — The Sunday Times (London)

Mrs. Large isn't feeling well, so Mr. Large sends her back to bed. "I'll take charge," he says. So while he and the children get busy vacuuming, dusting, and tidying, Mrs. Large settles down for a nice rest. But somehow ("I want my mommy!") Mrs. Large’s restful day (What’s that burning smell?) is not as restful as she'd hoped. Wise moms, well-meaning dads, and their spirited offspring will all laugh in recognition at this droll, expressively illustrated story.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Family, Love

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2005

About the author

Jill 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.

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs Large wasn’t feeling very well, but she had lots of chores that needed doing. Mr Large sent her back to bed, telling her that he was in charge for the day and that he, and the children, would do everything that needed to be done.

How much rest will Mrs Large get? With noisy screaming children, the littlest elephants keep coming into the bedroom, and lets not forget the burnt lunch. Not a lot it would seem.

The Large Family books were first published in the 1980’s. Since then they have grown in popularity, and there was even a TV series based on them.

These beloved stories all feature a lovable, normal family (even if they are elephants), comprising of Mr and Mrs Large, and their four children, Lester, Luke, Laura and the baby Lucy.

What makes this series a firm favourite is how relatable to real life that they are. I can especially relate to this particular story, because I’m not allowed to be sick as mayhem would break out in my house.

Jill Murphy didn’t just write this wonderful book, she also illustrated it, and they are some beautiful illustrations throughout that certainly capture the heart of the story.

Preschoolers, and young children will adore this book. The Large Family books have been read by families for many years, and long may it stay that way.

Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com

[Lydia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure how I feel about this book. It is good for repetition for children, as sentences have the same sentence structure, however there is nothing for the reader. In other words, you are told the story and thats it, there is nothing else to think about, to reflect on.
Would use for children building up sentences, but only if really necessary.

[Alia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This made for an odd chidren's book as it is written from the mom's point of view. It's the classic sitcom situation where the harried mom is trying to rest only to be disturbed every few minuted by the incompetant dad and children. Kinda boring on all fronts.

[Shauna Ludlow Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Large family stories and illustration. Mom is usually exhausted caring for everyone else. In this book her husband takes charge of the four kids and the house, with mixed results.

[Cat Strawberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun story that many parents will relate to. Mrs Large wakes up feeling unwell so Mr Large says she should go to bed and he will take care of everything, but things don't go according to plan. The story in this book is quite simple and funny with Mrs Large repeatedly interrupted by all the things that go wrong. Despite Mr Large being in charge of the family and the housework, he's not very good at it and Mrs Large is disturbed again and again and she finds it very hard to get some proper rest.

The story has an appeal both to kids and adults. It's funny with the way that Mrs Large is constantly interrupted and the silly things that go wrong are ones that plenty of parents, especially those with a big family, can relate to. The images are what really makes this story and I love how detailed they are. I really love Jill Murphy's Large Family illustrations. Though I haven't read many of her books, every time I see pictures of the Large Family I'm just drawn into them so much. They are lovely and detailed and funny all at the same time, it's fun to notice little things such as the way the elephant family hold everything (not with their hands but their trunks). The characters are also very expressive and you can follow the story easily just by looking at the pictures.

The ending is a good one and the whole story is a bit silly but I think plenty of adults and kids will really enjoy reading this. Although a review or two I've spotted complained about the gender stereotype of the dad being useless versus the mum who is always busy, I don't think any kids would even pick up on this and many families will probably recognise someone who is a bit useless at certain things, whether they're the dad, mum or someone else. Overall a great and fun book.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs Large is not feeling well, so as it is the weekend, Mr Large takes charge of the children, while Mrs Large goes back to bed. Unfortunately, the children are not very good at being quiet, and Mr Large tends to get distracted and forget to watch things that are cooking... Fortunately Mrs Large makes a speedy recovery, despite not being able to get much sleep, and all ends happily.
The story is well observed, and Jill Murphy's illustrations are perfect.

[Dewi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seri Large Family bercerita tentang keluarga Gajah yang terdiri dari Mr. Large, Mrs. Large, Laura, Lester, Luke dan si Bayi. Kali ini tentang Mr. Large yang sibuk mengurus rumah dan anak-anak berhubung Mrs. Large nampak kurang sehat.
Mrs. Large pun beristirahat di kamar dan bersiap untuk tidur tenang. Tapi tebak apa yang terjadi?

[Elias · Rating 4 out of 5]

E: I was worried when the mum was sick. I liked it when they were playing football, but I didn't like it when the dad tripped over the rake. I liked when the food burnt.

Parent: relatable to some extent, in a funny way, but also outdated in the sense that mum can only be in charge and things are a mess when dads are. May still be the case nowadays but I like to thinks it's less so.

[bookingmental · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child I loved this book, as a grown up I thought holy moly Mr Large is absolutely useless !! Mrs Large needed some well deserved rest (hard relate) and both her husband and the kids just would not leave her be the poor soul 🥲

George liked the pictures and my fantastic, radio play worthy accents for each character

[Ramona Cantaragiu · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was supposed to be a fun little story about a mother who wanted to take a break because she was feeling ill and a father taking charge of the household, but everything and everyone annoyed the hell out of me. Not an enjoyable read.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hits the nail on the head -- it's exactly what it's like when Mom tries to rest. Ha!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Snuck 5 minutes at the end of a review visit to read this. Not as good as 5 Minutes Peace.

[Poppy Thorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophia liked this story and could see how Mr Large is a bit like her Daddy!

[Joanna McQueen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful story that I can totally relate to. Those days you’re not well and your partner takes over and we’ll…

Just read it to find out what happens.

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Mrs. Large, but this was a very cute, funn book. I liked the simple illustrations. It had a good pace. Cute characters. Kids would definitely enjoy it.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, I don't know if this is the first part, but I like it very much, I always read it in a cafe. I read a lot of parts.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Large family are always entertaining.

[Lottie P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was slightly concerned that this novel would uphold the social ideals of a patriarchal society for the next generation, but instead I was blown away by the excellent story telling and mix of mild peril with comedy. An instant favourite.

[Tuyet Tran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mom has a lot of responsibilities around the house. I can imagine how much work my mom does everyday. I want to help out my mom more each day now.This book is great for introducing classroom jobs to the student. Assigning jobs can help the classroom's environment more clean and fresh, the students can work cooperative together, and learning to be responsible on duty call.

[Danielle Simmons · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a great family book. I live how the whole family triedntonoitch in and help out the mom. Even though things did it go very smoothly it all worked out in the end. Love truly binds this family together.

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute pictures. Too many words to successfully read aloud. Viv was losing interest. Sort of funny but too long.

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favourite Bedtime Feminist Propaganda for MrMatey

[J]

Cc

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

A childhood classic, if you grew up in Britain you’ll know this series like the back of your hand.