Thanks for all the rates - if you read one of my reviews, then I will return the favour! Would appr...
Thanks for all the rates - if you read one of my reviews, then I will return the favour! Would appreciate any reads of my Flashforward review - it came through too fast!
Member since:10.01.2009
Reviews:101
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FIVE MINUTES PEACE - JILL MURPHY
I am going to review this children's book about The Large Family. A very large family, as in elephants. Not your grey true to life safari type elephants, but cute and cuddly elephants. I have chosen this book because it is great for adults; forget the kids for a minute, if you have to read the same story night after night, it would be nice if it had something in it for you.
***WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?***
Well Jill Murphy (brilliant children's author) has written a series of books about The Large Family and this one centres on mum and her quest to get five minutes' peace to herself. This is a book that most adults will identify with, and perhaps in reading it with their children, might get this message across subtly to their children. Or not. I tried it for years and didn't get anywhere; a journey to the toilet alone was a major achievement.
Anyway, in the book Mrs. Large is observing a fine mess while her three children are eating (and I think wearing!) their breakfast. She begins to get a tray of tea and toast together, slips the newspaper in her pocket and tries to sneak away...Sound familiar?
Her children look despondent and ask where she is going. She replies that she is going to the bathroom to have five minutes peace. The children ask if they can come, to which she replies 'no' and informs them that they must play by themselves and watch the baby.
Mrs. Large makes it into the bath, settles down and is finally in heaven. For about 5 seconds. One by one each child comes to the bathroom to ask a favour; to play their recorder, to listen to Laura read - each time she graciously gives in and dutifully pays attention. Even the baby manages to dump all their toys in the bath; they become settled and fire a series of 'Can I' questions at her, whilst she increasingly looks disgruntled.
Finally they all pile in the bath. Mrs. Large get out and she....Well, I don't want to spoil the ending for you - will she ever get her five minutes. You will have to read the book to find out.
***AVAILABILITY***
It was published in 1986 by Walker books and is still going strong!
It is available on Amazon for £4.19, although there are used ones on there for 1p plus postage. The Book People also sometimes have them in a set or as a compilation. It is suitable for any children from playgroup age to around 6. It is definately worth investing in and Jill Murphy also writes other books for older children like The Worst Witch or The Last Noo Noo for very young children.
***OPINION***
These books would definately be in my top ten books for children under 6. They don't take too long to read and have lasting appeal. There is quite a bit of dialogue in them, which I also like as it gives you a chance to trying out your different 'voices'. I also like that it is true to life - well, about as true as you can get, when elephants are depicting human dilemmas.
The different age range of the elephants are also good, because when you are reading it with more than one child, they too can identify with one of the characters. My daughter loved them, as she too is named Laura, like the eldest child, sorry elephant.
The illustrations are lovely too, with a large picture on the right hand side, and a smaller picture on the left, with the story. Alot of the language is repetitive, "Can I?" for instance, which means older reader might be able to begin to pick up some of the story themselves.
*** SUMMARY***
My advice is to buy it - you might be luckier than I was - it's influence might mean you get your five minutes...
Summary: A BOOK THAT WILL BE READ OVER AND OVER AND MAKES READING A BIT FUN FOR THE ADULT TOO!!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Nice illustrations, like the elephants, Something that children and adults can relate to, Very true to life! Disadvantages: em... some of the jokes may be lost on four year olds?
Advantages: Nice illustrations, like the elephants, Something that children and adults can relate to, Very true to life! Disadvantages: em... some of the jokes may be lost on four year olds?
Jan 18th, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
