Mr. Large in Charge

"Jill Murphy's latest insightful snapshot of parenthood is a thumpingly entertaining picture book about elephants, and us." THE SUNDAY TIMES (London) Mrs. Large isn't feeling well, so Mr. Large sends her back to bed. "I'll take charge," he says. So while he and the children get busy vacuuming, dusting, and tidying, Mrs. Large settles down for a nice rest. But somehow ("I want my mommy!") Mrs. Large's restful day (What's that burning smell?) is not as restful as she'd hoped. Wise moms, well-meaning dads, and their spirited offspring will all laugh in recognition at this droll, expressively illustrated story.

Jill Murphy (1949-2021) began drawing and writing stories at a very early age and was already putting books together (albeit with a stapler) by the time she was six. She was only eighteen when she wrote The Worst Witch. Her books about the lovable but disaster-prone Mildred Hubble sold more than five million copies worldwide and became much-loved classics. Jill Murphy also wrote and illustrated several award-winning picture books for younger children.