 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
- By Judith Viorst
- Genre: Humor
Common Sense Media says
Kids will love this account of a boy's bad day.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that children will laugh at Alexander's situation in this simple story with humorous narration. The illustrations are bold and expressive.
What's the story?
What a day! Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair and trips on his skateboard. His mom forgets to put dessert in his lunch box, and his dentist finds a cavity! Anyone who's ever had a day they'd rather forget will love this cleverly illustrated, laugh-out-loud account of one boy's day of misfortune.
Is it any good?
Alexander's day may be awful for him, but it is pure enjoyment for 5- to 9-year-olds. ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY 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. When it was read to a group of 5- and 6-year-olds, it was hard to tell who was having more fun, the adult reader or the audience of giggling kids.
The plot, though simple, presents an interesting take on everyday childhood problems. The text is written in a conversational style from the viewpoint of a young boy, so it's by far more entertainment than English lesson. Ray Cruz's black-and-white line drawings lend themselves well to the story's mood. Cruz has an undeniable knack for realism, and he captures Alexander's emotions wonderfully.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about bad days. Kids: Have you had a bad day recently? What made it so awful? Were you able to cheer yourself up? After a few days had passed, did that day seem so awful after all? How do you cope with a terrible day?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
this book easy ytoo rearrd
i hate it because it sux and it toooshort and and im doing my homework right now in 10 borned in 1999 yo
and this book suxxxxxxxxxxx
so it so sux but easy to read
im doing bbok summary for homework!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Good book for young kids
I read this book to 2 little kids at school and I think it's just fine for young kids. It's amusing and has a positive message in understanding that bad days happen to everyone and it's a part of life. Good for kids 6+
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Judith Viorst |
| Illustrator: | Ray Cruz |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Humor |
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1972 |
| Number of pages: | 32 |
| Paperback price: | $5.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
vote now
Will you read Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
