Customer Reviews

Five Minutes' Peace

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

All mothers will easily be able to relate to Mrs. Large. Mrs. Large just wants five minutes of peace away from her three children, so she decides to take a bath. Minutes later her children join her, one by one, and end up in the bathtub with her. Finally she has had enough, and goes downstairs "where she had three minutes and forty-five seconds of peace before they all came to join her."

Mrs. Large and her family are all elephants, which causes for some absolutely wonderful drawings. My favorite is probably when she is sitting in the bathtub, sipping tea, while wearing a yellow flowered shower cap. The pictures in general are really cute, colorful and expressive. The story is told in a very straightforward, endearing manner. In my opinion, this is a great book.

Loggie-log-log-log

Has a plot that EVERY mother will know all too well. Mrs. Elephant futilely tries to relax in the bath; this is impossible with her three active kids. Illustrations are colorful and funny, so is the story. Great gift for ages 3-5 years; older siblings will enjoy listening to it as well.

After ranting on the phone to a friend about my life with twin toddlers, she sent this book to me as a gift. What a gift! It was a huge hit for the whole family! It made me laugh because it captured my exasperation with mothering toddlers in an honest and humorous way. My girls loved Jill Murphy's amusing illustrations and the funny chaos that the Large kids create. And most importantly, they were able to empathize with Mrs. Large. Woo hoo! It gave us the perfect set up to teach our kids that parents need breaks too (and that even a shortened break of 3 minutes and 45 seconds is a welcome respite to refuel the zapped energy!)

I love to give this book to new mothers. It was given to me when I had my first daughter and it made me laugh! How true it is to try and get a simple bath or shower once you have a child.

If you want a book that entertains not only the child but also the parent, this is it.
My husband used to read it to my son over and over again. He would read it with such passion, such understanding!
Then I would read it to my son too.
This book is loved by children, fathers and mothers and all care givers. You will love it too!

The text and illustrations on this book are exquisite. Every busy mother can identify with Mrs. Large. Highly recommend for all mothers....

This book is an excellent story for mother's of young children! This book will make any mother feel as if the author has actually followed her around the house for a morning! I use the book as gifts to my "mom" friends ... it's kind of a celebration gift and a way to tell them, "You are not alone!!!"

A book which shows what parenting is really about, Mrs Large tries to get some time to herself but is thwarted at every turn! The simple text and beautiful illustrations make this book both my favourite (I'm 31) and my daughters' (4 and 5).

I used to read this book to my kids, and have now bought it to share with my granddaughter. I think her mother (my daughter) now gets the picture!! We enjoyed all the Jill Murphy books when they were younger and I am now rediscovering them. I think most mothers will relate to the story. Check out the others in the "elephant series"

Being a mom of 10 kids, most of which have grown and now understand when I say "I just need 10 minutes kids", I can certainly relate to every detail of this cute little book! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being with all my kids, but there are moments, for the sake of my mental sanity, when a hot bath, a good book and even a few minutes of quiet can save the day! It will be all too soon, when I may be a grandma, and saying the same thing, or most likely, my kids will be bringing my grand babies over, and saying, "just give me 10 minutes mom"! My favorite part? When all the little ones jump in the tub with her, been there, done that! :)