There are more Large family stories to explore, such as A Quiet Night In and Mr Large in Charge. And of course, the Bear family of Peace at Last is a must-read. But once you’ve enjoyed all of Jill Murphy’s picture books, where else should you look?
Five Minutes' Peace: What to Read Next
A mother whose children follow her everywhere. A chaotic breakfast-time. A noisy bathtime. These familiar everyday scenes have struck a chord with families for 40 years. The much-loved, very talented Jill Murphy created the Large family of elephants, and an instant family favourite was born.
In praise of mums
The reason that Mrs Large needs five minutes is, of course, because she does so much for her kids. The following picture books also celebrate mums and their boundless love for their children. My Mum is a Lioness by Swapna Haddow and Dapo Adeola is about a powerful, energetic mum who’s fiercely proud of her cubs. Superhero Mum by Timothy Knapman and Joe Berger celebrates all the amazing things that a mum does every day. And in Mama Car by Lucy Catchpole and Karen George, Mama gives the very best cuddles! Finally, be thankful that humans don’t have to sneak past sleeping predators with the food for dinner, like Mummy Penguin in Chris Haughton’s dramatic and funny Well Done, Mummy Penguin!
Nostalgic classics
For those who love a nostalgic read, try Peepo! by Janet and Alan Alhberg, which depicts a family very much of an era long gone. Yet the peekaboo format continues to delight toddlers even now, as does the dynamic of the loving relatives. Similarly, Shirley Hughes’s books brilliantly celebrate the everyday emotional moments in a family’s life, for instance Dogger and Alfie Gets in First. The devastating loss of a beloved soft toy, or the tense drama of a child locked in a house and a mother locked out, still resonates now. And for quirky nostalgia, try Avocado Baby by John Burningham, where a fussy baby is super-strong (in a family of weaklings) from only eating avocado. Finally, we couldn’t resist recommending a modern series that deserves to become a classic: the very gentle Lenny books by Ken Wilson-Max, which show small moments in a child’s life with true warmth.
Family fun
The joy of Five Minutes’ Peace is the depiction of the normal chaos of family life. The following books showcase all sorts of different families – and some fun they’ve having. Not that Pet! by Smriti Halls and Rosalind Beardshaw shows a mixed family, including a granny, deciding on the perfect pet, and the consequences of the wrong choice! The heart-warming Not Now, Noor! by Farhana Islam and Nabila Adani has a little girl asking her female relatives about their hijabs – perhaps they’re hiding snacks? Watch out for the (grumpy teenage) monster in the hilarious We’re Going to Find the Monster! by Malorie Blackman and Dapo Adeola – never have a house and garden contained so much adventure. Talking of adventure, Billy’s two pirate mums are always embarrassing him by being so, well, pirate‑y. Until they save the day on a trip gone wrong! Set sail with The Pirate Mums by Jodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia Corry.
Join in!
Those are some of our ideas – but what about you? Let us know by messaging us on social media @BookTrust
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