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The Large Family #1-5
The Large Family
The Large Family Collection
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
About the author
Jill Murphy
84 books350 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 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 20, 2025
I was worried a piece of cake was a bit fat-shamey and thus ill prepared for today’s modern society. I needn’t worry; it was a tale all about acceptance and familial support. It was really good.
Five minutes peace is my favourite. It’s really realistic snd amusing and made my parents laugh as well as me. I would read it 1000 times.
Five minutes peace is my favourite. It’s really realistic snd amusing and made my parents laugh as well as me. I would read it 1000 times.
July 31, 2016
KIDS KNOWN
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2022
These make us smile
November 30, 2020
All Mrs Large wants is 5 minutes to herself away from her 3 children. However, whenever she gets the chance the children appear wanting to shows her things, or play, or see what she’s doing!
The images are brights and appealing and the story is a narrative making it easy to follow. This book uses speech marks as there is lots of speech so would be a good example to use with children to introduce what speech marks are.
I particularly liked image of Mrs Large spreading butter on her toast as she holds the bread with her front feet and uses her trunk to spread. Then later one she is seen drinking her tea with the straw. I think this would be a fun discussion to have with children on how they think an elephant would do things - similar to the question of where would a giraffe wear a bow tie
The images are brights and appealing and the story is a narrative making it easy to follow. This book uses speech marks as there is lots of speech so would be a good example to use with children to introduce what speech marks are.
I particularly liked image of Mrs Large spreading butter on her toast as she holds the bread with her front feet and uses her trunk to spread. Then later one she is seen drinking her tea with the straw. I think this would be a fun discussion to have with children on how they think an elephant would do things - similar to the question of where would a giraffe wear a bow tie
November 20, 2011
having 4 kids of my own, I love the way they cover the chaos of life with little kids, and the mom's plea for just one night for her. And the ending makes my family laugh.
September 13, 2018
Love it it's my day and my girl love it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2021
A childhood favourite. I would definately reccomend these for young kids.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews