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

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a children's book by Judith Viorst. The characters are based and named after Viorst's three sons.

Fast Facts

1. Author: Judith Viorst
2. Illustrator: Ray Cruz
3. Genre: Childrens Books
4. Publication Date: 1972
5. Publisher: Aladdin Publications
6. Pages: 32
7. Recommended Ages: 4-8
8. ISBN 978-0689711732
9. Awards/Distinctions: American Library Association Notable Book, George G. Stone Center Recognition of Merit, Georgia Children's Book Award, featured on Reading Rainbow
10. Adaptations: Play, Short Movie

Plot Synopsis

It is the worst day in the word for Alexander. He woke up with gum in his hair, he got a cavity, he lost his yo-yo and there is kissing on television. Young Alexander wants to move to Australia and his mother convinces him that even people in Australia have bad days too.

Critical Reception

• "This book scores high on the reality meter; just about any school-age child has had at least one terrible, horrible day. As a bedtime read for any kid who has just had one of those days, this one's a winner--it's almost guaranteed to chase away the blues." - Common Sense Review
• "Judith Viorst flawlessly and humorously captures a child's testy temperament, rendering Alexander sympathetic rather than whiny. Our hero's gum-styled hair and peevish countenance are artfully depicted by Ray Cruz's illustrations." - Amazon.com Editorial Review

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