Once again, author Judith Viorst proves she knows kids inside and out. Illustrator Ray Cruz is back, too, bringing life to Viorst's messy-haired hero with skillfully drawn emotions ranging from utter joy to abject disappointment.

What's great about Alexander is that he learns his lessons the hard (and humorous) way. Although small purchases of bubble gum don't seem to make a dent in his budget, going through three pieces as quickly as he can chew them is not only funny but also realistic. And betting his mother that she can't guess which hand his purple marble is hidden in--and then being dumbfounded that "moms made children pay," is pure entertainment.

One five-year-old reader with siblings understood Alexander's frustration when his brothers tease him, as well as his indignity when his father fines him five cents for calling them names.

The garage-sale sequence is great--what kid hasn't "needed" such treasures as a half-melted candle, "a deck of cards that was perfect except for no seven of clubs and no two of diamonds," or "a bear with one eye"? Only to find out later that maybe he or she didn't make the best choice?

Parents looking for guidance might consider The Kids' Allowance Book, by Amy Nathan.