The Large Family Five Minutes Peace 5 Books Collection Set by Jill Murphy - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
A Quiet Night in
A Piece of Cake
Mr Large In Charge
Five Minutes' Peace
All in One Piece

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781406379396

Overview:
Delight in the warm, timeless humor of Jill Murphy’s The Large Family with this charming five-book collection. This set brings together five beloved picture books that follow Mr and Mrs Large and their bustling brood of little elephants as they navigate the everyday mysteries of family life. Each tale balances gentle chaos with heartwarming affection, making these stories perfect for reading aloud at bedtime, learning to empathise with family dynamics, or simply sharing a smile with a little one. The charm lies in Murphy’s affectionate illustrations, rhythmic prose, and the way every situation—birthday celebrations, dietary experiments, mistaken priorities, and busy mornings—ends with a comforting, reassuring hug of family love. Suitable for early readers and picture-book fans alike, the collection represents a durable, affordable way to own a complete Little Large family reading journey in one place. The Large Family series has sold millions worldwide, and this set carries that same enduring appeal into your home.

What Makes This Collection Special:
This collection is more than a group of five stories—it’s a cohesive reading experience that follows the charming, ill-fated adventures of a big-hearted elephant family. Each title reinforces warm family values, cheeky humour, and gentle life lessons that resonate with both early readers and their grown-ups. The recurring characters and familiar settings create a binge-read appeal: once you start, you’ll want to return to the cosy chaos of the Large household again and again. The high-contrast, endearing illustrations invite little eyes to linger on every moment, while the accessible text supports early literacy and confident reading. A thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or new readers, this collection offers steady, comforting entertainment that rewards repeat reading and discussion about family, empathy, and cooperation.

Books Included in This Collection:
A Quiet Night in
This tale captures the gentle overnight misadventures of the Large family as Mr Large’s birthday dinner becomes a cozy, sleep-struck affair. The couple’s careful preparations—and the inevitable drift toward the sofa for a shared moment of rest—highlight the warmth of home and the small, familiar chaos that makes family life feel wonderfully ordinary. It’s a comforting, humorous reminder that even a quiet night can be wonderfully lively when loved ones are near. The book’s rhythm and illustrations make it ideal for read-aloud sessions and early readers discovering comedic timing in stories.

A Piece of Cake
A Piece of Cake is the quintessential Large Family joke turned into a modern picture-book classic: Mrs Large’s diet plan triggers a cascade of family activities, while the elephants’ appetites remind readers that celebrations and snacks belong to the heart of family life. Murphy’s playful text and expressive artwork invite giggles and shared moments as readers watch the family navigate dieting challenges with warmth and humour. It’s a buoyant, accessible story that resonates with kids and parents alike, celebrating love, laughter, and the imperfect spice of everyday meals.

Mr Large In Charge
In this sunny caper, Mrs Large isn’t feeling well, so Mr Large decides to take the reins. He and the children tackle the morning’s chores with gusto, turning domestic organisation into a playful competition. Yet Mrs Large’s attempt to enjoy a restful day proves almost as lively as any other, underscoring Murphy’s gentle message: family life is busy, but loving attention makes every hurdle easier to bear. The familiar dynamics, bright illustrations, and light humor make this a reassuring addition to any child’s growing bookshelf.

Five Minutes' Peace
Five Minutes’ Peace is a modern picture-book classic about a longing for quiet amid the bustle. Mrs Large seeks respite in the bathroom, indulging in a bubble bath and a quiet breakfast tray—only to discover that peace is short-lived when little elephants crave attention. This story celebrates the small, personal moments that parents treasure, while delivering a buoyant sense of humour and warmth. It’s a perfect choice for shared reads, helping little listeners understand parental needs and the joy of a little “me” time that ultimately strengthens family bonds.

All in One Piece
As the family prepares for the office dinner-dance, the Large household’s lively crew turn “getting out the door” into a delightful obstacle course. The story’s brisk pace, endearing characters, and gentle chaos capture the everyday whirlwind of family life and the hilarity that arises when everyone tries to dress and depart at once. Highly commended for the Kate Greenaway Medal and celebrated for its warm, expansive illustrations, All in One Piece rounds out the collection with a sense of celebration and belonging that readers will want to revisit again and again.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This five-book collection is ideal for parents seeking comforting, humorous bedtime reads; teachers and librarians building a gentle, classroom-friendly picture-book shelf; and gift buyers looking for a complete, era-spanning Joseph Murphy–style reading journey. It suits early readers developing confidence with longer stories, as well as picture-book lovers who enjoy vibrant artwork paired with heartwarming family themes. Perfect for fans of classic children’s literature, anecdotal humor, and those who appreciate visual storytelling that invites conversation and shared laughter.

Key Benefits:

• Five beloved stories in one durable paperback collection
• Gentle humour and warm family values that resonate with every generation
• Beautiful, expressive illustrations that invite longer reading sessions
• Accessible, age-appropriate text that supports early literacy
• Ideal for read-alouds, bedtime routines, and classroom story time
• Classic British children’s literature with lasting appeal
• Great gift for birthdays, holidays, or as a first complete Large Family collection
• Includes titles with noted recognitions and enduring popularity

About the Author:
Jill Frances Murphy (5 July 1949 – 18 August 2021) was a British author and illustrator celebrated for her engaging, accessible children’s books. She published her first work with Allison & Busby in 1974 and became best known for the Worst Witch series and the Large Family picture books, which have delighted millions of readers worldwide. Murphy’s warm, humorous storytelling and expressive illustrations helped shape a generation of young readers, and many of her titles were adapted for stage and television. She is remembered as “one of the most engaging writers and illustrators for children in the land,” whose work remains a touchstone for families seeking joyful, relatable adventures.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
Owning the complete Five Minutes Peace collection means having a trusted, timeless reading ritual at your fingertips. The stories celebrate everyday family life with humour and tenderness, making them perfect for shared reading moments and creating lasting memories. The cohesive set offers value and convenience, ensuring every girl or boy can revisit the Large Family’s misadventures in a single, beautifully presented package—ideal for gift-giving, shelf display, and steady bedtime routines.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.