The Large Family Five Minutes Peace 5 Book Set by Jill Murphy

This five-book set brings together stories from Jill Murphy’s Large family, following Mr and Mrs Large as everyday plans are repeatedly disrupted by life at home. Across the collection, family routines, celebrations and attempts at quiet time are all tested, with outcomes that rarely go as expected.

From a birthday meal that turns into an unplanned sleep on the sofa to a household diet that proves difficult for hungry elephants, each title centres on familiar domestic moments. The set also includes an audio story read by Miriam Margoyles, with an approximate duration of 21 minutes.

Included titles

• A Quiet Night in
• A Piece of Cake
• Mr Large In Charge
• Five Minutes' Peace
• All in One Piece

Key details

• Five-book set featuring the Large family
• Written by Jill Murphy
• Includes an audio story read by Miriam Margoyles
• Audio duration approximately 21 minutes
• Five Minutes' Peace won the Best Books for Babies Award
• All in One Piece was highly commended for the Kate Greenaway Medal and shortlisted for The Children's Book Award

Synopses

A Quiet Night in

It is Mr Large’s birthday and Mrs Large prepares a meal for a quiet night at home. As usual in the Large household, the evening does not go to plan, and Mr and Mrs Large fall asleep on the sofa. The little Larges then sneak off to bed with the food that was made for the celebration.

A Piece of Cake

When Mrs Large decides she is too fat, she puts the whole family on a diet. Biscuits and crisps are banned, replaced by healthy meals and healthy jogs. For hungry elephants, however, dieting is not as easy as it sounds.

Mr Large In Charge

With Mrs Large feeling unwell, Mr Large sends her back to bed and announces that he will take charge. He and the children set about hoovering, dusting and tidying while Mrs Large tries to rest. Her day off proves less restful than she had hoped.

Five Minutes' Peace

One morning, Mrs Large looks for peace and quiet away from her boisterous children and takes refuge in the bathroom. She runs a foamy bubble-bath and brings in a tray with her favourite breakfast. The calm she is hoping for does not last long.

All in One Piece

Mr and Mrs Large are getting ready for the office dinner-dance. With Lester, Laura, Luke and the baby around, getting out of the house becomes a challenge. They will be lucky to leave all in one piece.