Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

by Judith Viorst

illustrated by Ray Cruz

GA State Awards 1972

School Library Journal Best Books 1972

Summary

This book chronicles Alexander's day, which begins with gum in his hair, and tripping on a skateboard. Throughout the book everything seems to go wrong with his day, from not having any prize in his cereal, to being squished in the middle of the car during carpool, to not having his work done during school. After each event, Alexander states "I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." He decided that he is going to move to Australia when things go wrong. At the end of the day, Alexander states "It has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. My mom says some days are like that."

Discussion

This book is illustrated in black and white, which somehow adds to the book though usually it takes away from the story. The book was written from a child's perspective for sure, using language young boys use, and run on sentences and bad grammar. There are so many scenarios in the book that do not go Alexander's way, and it helps to teach children that there will be days that everything seems to go wrong. Even though they are upset, things can get better, and there are days that seems to be "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days." This book can be used as a conversation between children and their parents about not always getting their way and also about explaining that life isn't always nice and fair. When babysitting, if the child is having a bad day, at the end of it when they select a book to read, many have chosen this one. It may be comforting for kids to know that even know they had a bad day, another child has had a worse day, but that things can get better.

This book was turned into an hour long musical and played in New York City for two years over the holidays. The CD from it can be ordered at www.ducylee.com. Below is a song from the musical, as well as a partial reading of the book from a three and a half year old.

Cruz, R., & Viorst, J. (1972).Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.