Murphy returns to the lovable Bear family of Peace at Last and Whatever Next for a third slice of family life, in which the Bears have had a day we can all identify with - in lockdown more than ever, I suspect. Peace at Last may have been published more than 40 years ago, but the story of the Bears remains as warm and relatable as ever, full of gentle humor and astute observations of human behavior. Delicious. * The Bookseller *
Jill Murphy, the author of mum-championing classics such as Peace at Last, has brought out her first picture book for 40 years. It describes the sort of day any family can relate to: baby bear is late for nursery, mummy bear breaks her glasses, and daddy bear spills his coffee at work. The carpe diem sentiment is distilled through Murphy's lovely rhyme and repetition * The Times and Syndicates *
In more down-to-earth vein, from earlier in the autumn, Jill Murphy's Just One of Those Days (Macmillan) features the beloved Bear family on a day fraught with mishaps - spilled coffee, squashed glasses, nursery quarrels - followed by consolatory shared pizza and the reflection that it was, after all, just one of those days. Murphy's acute observation of family life continues to delight both children and adults * Guardian and Online *
Just One of Those Days by Jill Murphy, published this year, is a gentle account of a bear family's day * Irish Independent *
A new picture book from such a heavyweight in the children's literature world is cause for excitement, and this wonderful new instalment in the 'Bear family' series, joining those favorite classics, Peace at Last and Whatever Next, does not disappoint. This is a story that will resonate with all parents of small children...Parents and children will relate to the depiction of ordinary family life and routines, and children will enjoy the familiar cozy illustrations of the Bear family * School Librarian *
Jill Murphy's delightful return to the Bear family from Peace at Last is full of her stunning full-page color artwork which perfectly depicts the trials and tribulations of daily life with little ones. This time, it's the day after a sleepless night (or at least, probably a disturbed night) and what that looks like for tired mums, dads and preschoolers who nevertheless still have to go to work and Nursery * BookTrust *
