Five Minutes' Peace
By Jill Murphy
The Story
An overwhelmed elephant mother tries to escape her three energetic children for just five minutes' peace, sneaking off for a quiet bath — but they follow her anyway.
Why It's Special
For the parent who has locked a bathroom door and prayed for two minutes of silence, Mrs. Large's doomed quest feels less like fiction and more like documentary.
- Big idea: Peace is precious and fleeting when you're outnumbered by people who love you — and that's exhausting and funny at once.
- Vibes: Wry, cozy, and completely relatable, with a gentle comic rhythm.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy funny family stories
- like to spot themselves in grown-up frustrations
- are working on understanding a parent's need for space
- respond well to cozy, everyday settings like the kitchen and bath
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Where did Mrs. Large try to go to get some peace?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Mrs. Large felt when her children kept finding her?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever wanted a few minutes alone, like Mrs. Large?
- Imagination: If you were Mrs. Large, where would you hide for five minutes' peace?
