Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Book)

Viorst, J. (1972). Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. New York, NY: Antheneum Books. ISBN: 0-689-71173-5

Interest Level: Ages 3 to 7
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Bad days, Grouchiness, Humor

Plot: We follow Alexander during his very bad day.  His day starts off bad, waking up with gum in his hair, continues being bad with a trip to the dentist and ends bad with his night light burning out.  Alexander tries and tries to tell everyone that he is having a terrible day and that he's going to move to Australia but nobody seems to care.  In the end, Alexander's mom tells him that "some days are like that, even in Australia" offering him some understanding.

Personal Thoughts: The illustrations, done in pencil, express the grouchiness and frustration Alexander is feeling throughout the day.  Some of the bad things that happen to Alexander are a result of his grouchiness, such as getting into a fight with a friend, and some are a result of simple bad luck, such as going to the dentist, as the reader will understand.  Young children will relate to the frustration and anger that Alexander feels.  The fact that no one is giving sympathy and that  Alexander must simply make it through the day is more realistic than any other "happy" ending.  A good way to help children deal with their bad days.

Awards/Recognition:
Georgia Children's Book Award: Picture Storybook Award (1977)

Other Books by the Author:
Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday (1977); Alexander, Who Is Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move (1995); The Good-bye Book (1988); Super-Completely and Totally the Messiest (2001);