Parents' Guide to

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

By Mary LeCompte, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Kids will love this account of a boy's bad day.

Book Judith Viorst Humor 1972
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 2+

Based on 1 parent review

RecessGymClass2
RecessGymClass2 Adult
December 5, 2016
age 2+

I love this book so much, and the other Alexander books as well.

However, this one is my favorite. I grew up reading Alexander books, this one was always my favorite. Every time I had a bad day, I always read this book. It would make me feel so much better. I really laughed at Alexander's misfortunes. My favorite part was when the elevator door closed on his foot, his mother forgot to pack him lunch, and when his favorite blanket slipped into the bathroom, while the sink was running, and it got all wet. Now, I wouldn't laugh at people's misfortunes in real life, but this is JUST a book, so I do not mind if I do! The narrating is hysterical too, I love it when he says "I think i'll move to Austrailia". Even though i'm in my late 30s, I still say that i'm having a 'horrible, terrible, no good, very bad day", when i'm having a bad day. The drawing itself is really nice. I think Judist Vorst is a really talented author. 'Nuff said. So overall, this is just so nostalgic, and I read this book sometimes when I need my childhood memories back and I always smile and say "Wow! I can't believe how much the years have flew by!!!".
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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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (6 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Book Details

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