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Alexander
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Alexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in this hair.
And it got worse...
His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV!
And it got worse...
His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV!
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
About the author
Judith Viorst
93 books572 followersJudith Viorst is the author of several works of fiction and non-fiction for children as well as adults. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, her most famous children's book, was first published in 1972 and has since sold over two million copies. Ms. Viorst received a B.A. in History from Rutgers University, and she is also a graduate of the Washington Psychoanalytic Institute where she is a research affiliate. She began her career as a poet and has since completed six collections of poems for adults. Her first novel for adults, Murdering Mr. Monti, was published in 1994 and her most recent work of non-fiction, Imperfect Control, was published in January 1998 by Simon and Schuster. Her book Necessary Losses, published in 1986, appeared for almost two years on The New York Times best-seller list in hardcover and paperback. Ms. Viorst's children's books include The Tenth Good Thing About Barney, The Alphabet From Z to A, and the "Alexander" stories: Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday, Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move and, of course, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Ms. Viorst lectures widely on a variety of topics, ranging from the subjects of loss and control to children's literature. She resides in Washington, DC with her husband Milton, a political writer. They have three sons, Anthony, Nicholas and Alexander, and two perfect grandchildren, Miranda and Brandeis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,143 reviews
March 4, 2018
Burned in my brain forever. First, because of the wonderful list of descriptors in the title, repeated throughout the story. I must have hit it at the right time in language development, because it stuck in my mind. I think I used that phrase "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day," for a couple of decades, usually in jest or as a way of mocking my drama. Second, because it was the first library book I ever lost. I'm pretty sure I was freaked out, but I remember the librarians as being nicely firm about it. Yet it remains a guilty scar.
October 30, 2021
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Judith Viorst
Alexander could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. He went to sleep with gum in his mouth and woke up with gum in his hair. When he got out of bed, he tripped over his skateboard and by mistake dropped his sweater in the sink while the water was running. He could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Nothing at all was right. Everything went wrong, right down to lima beans for supper and kissing on TV.
What do you do on a day like that? Well, you may think about going to Australia. You may also be glad to find that some days are like that for other people too.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز بیست و نهم ماه اکتبر سال 2010میلادی
عنوان: یک روز ترسناک خیلی بد؛ نویسنده جودیت ویورست؛ مترجم زینب رضایی؛ تهران، پیدایش، سال1388؛ در32ص، مصور؛ برای گروه سنی هفت تا نه سال؛ شابک9789643497446؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 20م
آن روز، یک روز سخت، ترسناک و بد برای «الکساندر» بود؛ صبح که از خواب بیدار شد، موهایش با آدامس به هم چسبیده بود؛ هنگام بلند شدن از رختخواب، پایش را روی اسکیت گذاشت، و به زمین خوردد؛ سپس ژاکتش را خیس کرد؛ «الکساندر» پیش بینی کرد، آنروز روز چندان خوبی برایش نخواهد بود؛ برای همین دلش خواست به «استرالیا» برود؛ آیا در «استرالیا» اوضاع بهتر خواهد بود؟
همه ی کودکان همانند «الکساندر» روزهایی را تجربه میکنند، که هیچ چیز درست پیش نمیرود؛ این کتاب میتواند به آنها یاری کند تا آن روزها را راحتتر از سر بگذرانند؛ نویسنده ی کتاب «جودیت ویورست»، روان شناس هستند، و کتابهای بسیاری را برای کودکان نوشته اند
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 07/08/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Alexander could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. He went to sleep with gum in his mouth and woke up with gum in his hair. When he got out of bed, he tripped over his skateboard and by mistake dropped his sweater in the sink while the water was running. He could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Nothing at all was right. Everything went wrong, right down to lima beans for supper and kissing on TV.
What do you do on a day like that? Well, you may think about going to Australia. You may also be glad to find that some days are like that for other people too.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز بیست و نهم ماه اکتبر سال 2010میلادی
عنوان: یک روز ترسناک خیلی بد؛ نویسنده جودیت ویورست؛ مترجم زینب رضایی؛ تهران، پیدایش، سال1388؛ در32ص، مصور؛ برای گروه سنی هفت تا نه سال؛ شابک9789643497446؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 20م
آن روز، یک روز سخت، ترسناک و بد برای «الکساندر» بود؛ صبح که از خواب بیدار شد، موهایش با آدامس به هم چسبیده بود؛ هنگام بلند شدن از رختخواب، پایش را روی اسکیت گذاشت، و به زمین خوردد؛ سپس ژاکتش را خیس کرد؛ «الکساندر» پیش بینی کرد، آنروز روز چندان خوبی برایش نخواهد بود؛ برای همین دلش خواست به «استرالیا» برود؛ آیا در «استرالیا» اوضاع بهتر خواهد بود؟
همه ی کودکان همانند «الکساندر» روزهایی را تجربه میکنند، که هیچ چیز درست پیش نمیرود؛ این کتاب میتواند به آنها یاری کند تا آن روزها را راحتتر از سر بگذرانند؛ نویسنده ی کتاب «جودیت ویورست»، روان شناس هستند، و کتابهای بسیاری را برای کودکان نوشته اند
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 07/08/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
July 22, 2017
My son and I adore this book! It is a wonderful story about a kid who is really having a tough time. Maybe he should move to Australia? The artwork is wonderful. This is the PERFECT book for kids who are feeling the blues and need a bit of perspective. Fantastic.
July 12, 2019
2 Bad Day ★'s
“It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.”
I read this to my little niece the other day, let's just say we weren't very impressed by this book. I get the meaning behind it and it's true sometimes you just have a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Days where one thing after another go wrong and it puts you in a terrible mood but... still, I didn't like the overall negative feeling of this book. Really Alexander just came across as a little brat and was a bit annoying at times. I certainly won't be reading this one again and It's not one I'll be recommending either. It's just not for us!
“Some days are like that. Even in Australia.”
“It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.”
I read this to my little niece the other day, let's just say we weren't very impressed by this book. I get the meaning behind it and it's true sometimes you just have a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Days where one thing after another go wrong and it puts you in a terrible mood but... still, I didn't like the overall negative feeling of this book. Really Alexander just came across as a little brat and was a bit annoying at times. I certainly won't be reading this one again and It's not one I'll be recommending either. It's just not for us!
“Some days are like that. Even in Australia.”
June 3, 2017
Who hasn't had this sort of a day? For Alexander, it starts out bad and just gets worse and worse.
A great book to share with a kid who gets frustrated when 'everything seems to go wrong for me!'
I love the illustrations in this, the simple situations gone bad, and Alexander's very real reactions to them.
A great book to share with a kid who gets frustrated when 'everything seems to go wrong for me!'
I love the illustrations in this, the simple situations gone bad, and Alexander's very real reactions to them.
February 19, 2011
I bought this book in 1989. Well, my parents bought it for me. There's a half-peeled-off sticker that says, MY BOOK in red bubble/block lettering with "Philip" scrawled on the name line. I was in first grade.
I loved this book as a kid.
I read it tonight to my daughters for the first time. I'm pretty sure they didn't understand the message that everybody has bad days, no matter where you are, but it was fun reading to them - all tucked in and what not.
It was a nice piece of nostalgia for me, as well as making me picture myself as an adult and a kid at the same time. I wish I found a Junior Undercover Agent code ring in my breakfast cereal this morning, but I didn't. I didn't either, Alexander.
(Granted, I did have coffee cake. One of the perks of growing up I guess.)
I loved this book as a kid.
I read it tonight to my daughters for the first time. I'm pretty sure they didn't understand the message that everybody has bad days, no matter where you are, but it was fun reading to them - all tucked in and what not.
It was a nice piece of nostalgia for me, as well as making me picture myself as an adult and a kid at the same time. I wish I found a Junior Undercover Agent code ring in my breakfast cereal this morning, but I didn't. I didn't either, Alexander.
(Granted, I did have coffee cake. One of the perks of growing up I guess.)
February 3, 2016
I've read dozens of Judith Viorst's books....(my kids had most of them)....
A new book is coming out soon! Sounds wonderful!
Great books to give the grandchildren) .... (Lisi & Jan)...............
This review is in honor of *Jan*....who's daughter is having her first baby today!!!!!
Congratulations, JAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My candle is glowing .....in honor of the new Bambino!!!!
Sooooooooooo Happy for you 'grandma'!
A new book is coming out soon! Sounds wonderful!
Great books to give the grandchildren) .... (Lisi & Jan)...............
This review is in honor of *Jan*....who's daughter is having her first baby today!!!!!
Congratulations, JAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My candle is glowing .....in honor of the new Bambino!!!!
Sooooooooooo Happy for you 'grandma'!
November 8, 2018
I thought this book was an appropriate book to read. Alexander is having a horrible day. He wakes up out of sorts and the day is one big horror show. I think what I like most about this story is the end. The mother comes in and she doesn't try to make it better or make light of it. She says, some days are like that. Basically - this is life and it's ok. This is part of the human experience. That is the best part to me.
I was sick yesterday, which is why I didn't post. I pretty much slept the entire day. I feel like I'm back in the land of the living today. It was a rough day.
The artwork is black and white drawings, nothing fancy. The kids related to this story instantly. Both of them were relating stories of bad days. They both gave the book 4 stars.
I was sick yesterday, which is why I didn't post. I pretty much slept the entire day. I feel like I'm back in the land of the living today. It was a rough day.
The artwork is black and white drawings, nothing fancy. The kids related to this story instantly. Both of them were relating stories of bad days. They both gave the book 4 stars.
January 19, 2020
I remember liking this book when I was a kid, but now it's kind of a downer. Like, I guess it's good that kids can empathize. There are going to be bad days. But still. Downerrrrr.
December 27, 2014
One of the all-time classics. I loved this one as a kid, and I love it all the more as a grown-up reading it to my boys.
I'm dimly aware they made a movie based on the book, though I have no idea why.
If you watched the movie and haven't read this book, I fear you're done yourself a great injustice. Please consider picking up the book. It's well worth your time.
I'm dimly aware they made a movie based on the book, though I have no idea why.
If you watched the movie and haven't read this book, I fear you're done yourself a great injustice. Please consider picking up the book. It's well worth your time.
May 27, 2007
"Some days are like that... Even in Australia."
This is one of those books that has so many levels (like a parfait, or an onion). It begs for multiple readings. On one level it is the story of Alexander, an ordinary kid whose day doesn't go as he wants it to. Yet it is also a treatise on the human condition - our selfishness and self-centeredness, the travails and hardships that assail each person's life, and the resolute courage needed to stand our ground and live our lives where we find ourselves, one day at a time. Even on the days we'd rather move to Australia.
This is one of those books that has so many levels (like a parfait, or an onion). It begs for multiple readings. On one level it is the story of Alexander, an ordinary kid whose day doesn't go as he wants it to. Yet it is also a treatise on the human condition - our selfishness and self-centeredness, the travails and hardships that assail each person's life, and the resolute courage needed to stand our ground and live our lives where we find ourselves, one day at a time. Even on the days we'd rather move to Australia.
October 5, 2018
First Read: I read this at my sister's house and thought it was one of the best children's books I had ever read. I laughed and laughed. Enjoyed it so much.
Second * Read: Something about this book that has tickled me in every way. So I found another copy and have read it several times. Then this last week I went to the library and found a video of "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." Again we enjoyed it so much and laughed and laughed. We don't always enjoy life as much as we should. Enjoy!!!
Second * Read: Something about this book that has tickled me in every way. So I found another copy and have read it several times. Then this last week I went to the library and found a video of "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." Again we enjoyed it so much and laughed and laughed. We don't always enjoy life as much as we should. Enjoy!!!
June 29, 2018
Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair and his day just goes downhill from there. His breakfast is no fun, his best friend has new besties and the shoes that he wants are out of stock leaving him with the plain ones, not to mention, he has a visit to the dentist looming in his future. His parents aren’t exactly sympathetic and it still isn’t over because before his day is done he is going to have to watch kissing on television and eat lima beans for dinner. (Actually, I think I got off easy. I HATE lima beans!!) The pencil and ink sketches by Ray Cruz are the perfect medium for conveying Alexander’s day.
Alexander is an ‘every kid’ as the success of the entire series proves and this book is just a classic. Which is why it is still in classrooms and libraries all over the world after nearly fifty years because it perfectly captures the fact that bad days just happen sometimes, even in Australia.
Alexander is an ‘every kid’ as the success of the entire series proves and this book is just a classic. Which is why it is still in classrooms and libraries all over the world after nearly fifty years because it perfectly captures the fact that bad days just happen sometimes, even in Australia.
March 17, 2020
Some days are just the worst.
May 28, 2023
A grumpy little boy has a bad day -- some of it of his own making, some of it just bad luck, some of it a matter of poor attitude. Somehow the references to Australia keep it from being a whiny diatribe that grates. And, hey, bad days are totally relatable, right?
This is a classic picture book I have never read before, and I am only reading it today as preparation for reading a Mad magazine parody entitled, Superman and the Miserable, Rotten, No Fun, Really Bad Day.
This is a classic picture book I have never read before, and I am only reading it today as preparation for reading a Mad magazine parody entitled, Superman and the Miserable, Rotten, No Fun, Really Bad Day.
April 7, 2013
“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” (whew what a title) is a children’s book by Judith Viorst along with illustrations by Ray Cruz and it is about how a young boy named Alexander who ends up having a terrible day. “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” is truly one of the most memorable books ever created!
I have clearly enjoyed this book as Judith Viorst has done a great job at writing this book and Ray Cruz’s illustrations also contribute greatly to the story’s humor. Judith Viorst makes the story extremely humorous and creative as the book is narrated by Alexander himself as he tells the audience about the terrible day he is having and many children will definitely relate to Alexander’s situation as the situation appears from his own perspective. I also understand Alexander’s predicament since I had my share of bad days and I wished that I was somewhere else rather than the place I am at now when I am having a bad day. Ray Cruz’s illustrations are simply beautiful and hilarious, especially the image of Alexander with his matted hair and a scowl on his face all throughout the book. I also loved the black and white coloring used in this book as it reflects an old-fashioned feel to the story in a modern world.
“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” is truly one of the most inspirational books for children who have had their share of bad days and I’m definitely sure that many children will enjoy this book as much as I did! I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
June 13, 2013
Not so much for preschool because it's a more formulated story and it's in black and white, but my 5 yr old loves it. About a boy who just has a bad day, something any kid can relate to. A great story.
January 27, 2009
My oldest son loved this book when he was younger. I must have read it a hundred times to him!
May 1, 2024
Pobre Alexander, nem dá pra contar pra ele que na vida adulta só piora.
Li o livro da Judith Viorst porque hoje na Sessão da Tarde passou o filme que foi inspirado nesse livro, o plot do livro abarca só poucos minutos de filme que converte a má sorte do Alexander para sua família, isso meio que tira o sentido do livro.
Li o livro da Judith Viorst porque hoje na Sessão da Tarde passou o filme que foi inspirado nesse livro, o plot do livro abarca só poucos minutos de filme que converte a má sorte do Alexander para sua família, isso meio que tira o sentido do livro.
March 17, 2022
I can relate, having had so many of themself !!!!
January 20, 2013
I know this is a beloved classic, but I just didn't care for it. I think my kid just takes it literally, that this boy is having a bad day and nothing is fair, and sympathizes with him. But from an adult's perspective, he's an obnoxious little whiner who resorts to saying mean things and hitting, plus he does a lot of blaming his mom for things that don't go right ("guess whose mom forgot dessert?") which sets a disrespectful example. I think by the time a kid gets old enough for the intended message that we all have bad days and get grumpy, they're too old to like the book, so I don't think it succeeds on that level. But that said, younger kids do like it anyway.
Really, though, who goes to bed with gum in their mouth?! He should be glad he didn't choke in his sleep -- he's lucky to get any terrible new days.
Really, though, who goes to bed with gum in their mouth?! He should be glad he didn't choke in his sleep -- he's lucky to get any terrible new days.
March 27, 2014
Truly the best children's book out there.... I first read this book when I was in elementary school and since then have read it multiple times to my children, the children I babysat and today to my mentee, a fifth grader who had never heard of the book before I mentioned it. I will never forget the day I walked into my Chemistry class quoting "I'm having a terrible, horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" and have my partner finish it with me.... Kindred spirits. I use this phrase on those days when life is just to hard and I always end with "think I'll move to Australia." I own the book and will keep telling everyone I know to read it... A must!
June 14, 2018
Gosh, when I was a kid, I remember this book being awesome, but reading it again as an adult was just ok. I don't think my kid was overly impressed with it either.
October 27, 2015
One of my favorite books ever. In middle school, I used it as a monologue to audition for a part. I got it because the director had never heard of it and thought it was hilarious. It wasn't hard to get right, either, as it's easy to whine and pout and act angry.
I hear there's a movie coming out which is odd. I have no idea what they'll do because there's not enough plot here to fill a short, but just in case, I recommend you read it now before you hear anything about any film. Form your own impressions first because this is such a great book.
One of my favorite lines is:
The illustrations are black and white but they're perfect for the story.
5++++ stars
I hear there's a movie coming out which is odd. I have no idea what they'll do because there's not enough plot here to fill a short, but just in case, I recommend you read it now before you hear anything about any film. Form your own impressions first because this is such a great book.
One of my favorite lines is:
At school, Mrs. Dickens liked Paul's picture of the sailboat more than my picture of the invisible castle.And yes, the illustration showed a blank piece of paper.
The illustrations are black and white but they're perfect for the story.
5++++ stars
June 25, 2008
One of my favorite childhood books because somedays are like that...even in Australia!
November 6, 2023
I read this only for the Sporcle literature quizzes.
May 21, 2020
This book really speaks to my motto, "Life is hard." Everly did not like it, and she's not going to like my motto.
March 10, 2017
A wonderful introduction to pessimistic philosophy and nihilist literature for little ones.
I hadn't read this since I was a kid, but I knew what to expect. Alexander was going to have a bad day, but on the last page he would go to bed and dream sweet dreams and wake up to a better tomorrow. "It's okay to have bad days. We will have a better one tomorrow." That's not what I found; the ending shook me to my very core.
I cracked it open with my two year old son last night and to my surprise, even though the illustrations are black and white and it takes awhile to flip the pages, he sat rapt the whole time. Alexander woke up with gum in his hair, he tripped on his skateboard, and he dropped his sweater in the sink. He got the worst seat in the car on the way to school, and the school day was more of the same: suffering, drudgery, and existential pain. He lost his best friend, his mom forgot to pack him dessert, and after school he went to the dentist, who discovered a cavity.
Throughout all this, Alexander had hope, and his hope had a name. Australia. When something terribly horrible happened to Alexander, he'd think to himself, "Tomorrow, I'm going to go to Australia." It's a refrain he repeated to himself often throughout the day, and it's the only way he got through the torment. Australia was his land of milk and honey; no matter how bad this is right now, I can always go to Australia where everything will be alright.
But at the end of the day, after he's tucked himself into his bed of sorrows, his mother pecks him on his cheek and delivers this final blow: some days are like this. Some days just kick you in the pants, over and over again. "Even in Australia."
You can imagine Alexander's psyche shattering at this point. Australia is supposed to be the one place that is safe! Australia is the escape from the terror, the horror, the no good, very bad slog of daily existence! But pain permeates everything and knows no bounds. It is all.
The final image of the book is Alexander in his bed, inexpressible anguish on his face, as if an invisible hand is wrapped around his neck. This is the bed that has been made for him, and he must lie in it.
There is no escape. There is no relief.
There is no Australia.
I hadn't read this since I was a kid, but I knew what to expect. Alexander was going to have a bad day, but on the last page he would go to bed and dream sweet dreams and wake up to a better tomorrow. "It's okay to have bad days. We will have a better one tomorrow." That's not what I found; the ending shook me to my very core.
I cracked it open with my two year old son last night and to my surprise, even though the illustrations are black and white and it takes awhile to flip the pages, he sat rapt the whole time. Alexander woke up with gum in his hair, he tripped on his skateboard, and he dropped his sweater in the sink. He got the worst seat in the car on the way to school, and the school day was more of the same: suffering, drudgery, and existential pain. He lost his best friend, his mom forgot to pack him dessert, and after school he went to the dentist, who discovered a cavity.
Throughout all this, Alexander had hope, and his hope had a name. Australia. When something terribly horrible happened to Alexander, he'd think to himself, "Tomorrow, I'm going to go to Australia." It's a refrain he repeated to himself often throughout the day, and it's the only way he got through the torment. Australia was his land of milk and honey; no matter how bad this is right now, I can always go to Australia where everything will be alright.
But at the end of the day, after he's tucked himself into his bed of sorrows, his mother pecks him on his cheek and delivers this final blow: some days are like this. Some days just kick you in the pants, over and over again. "Even in Australia."
You can imagine Alexander's psyche shattering at this point. Australia is supposed to be the one place that is safe! Australia is the escape from the terror, the horror, the no good, very bad slog of daily existence! But pain permeates everything and knows no bounds. It is all.
The final image of the book is Alexander in his bed, inexpressible anguish on his face, as if an invisible hand is wrapped around his neck. This is the bed that has been made for him, and he must lie in it.
There is no escape. There is no relief.
There is no Australia.
September 27, 2011
This picturebook is famous among teachers. The story is about a naughty boy who describes how his day went from morning to night time. Alexander, the youngest boy in the story, and the narrator as well, had to endure bad incidents in school, at the dentist office, with his brothers and mom while shopping for shoes, at his Dad’s office, and back at home. I have to admit there is humor in all these bad things happening to this boy throughout the day. I connect to the story because I have two boys that are 5 and 8 years old like the boys in the story. As a teacher and mom, I have seen this kind of behavior many times. All, I have to say is “Life is not fair for five years old boys here or in Australia!”
The illustrations are interesting. After reading about the illustrator, I found he that Ray Cruz grew up in New York City and has been drawing since he was five years old. In addition to his work as an illustrator, he has had extensive experience in textile design and graphic art. By knowing this, now I realized why his illustrations are so rich in textures and they look a bit like comics. This picture book is always a hit in the classroom. Great idea for a children's book!
The illustrations are interesting. After reading about the illustrator, I found he that Ray Cruz grew up in New York City and has been drawing since he was five years old. In addition to his work as an illustrator, he has had extensive experience in textile design and graphic art. By knowing this, now I realized why his illustrations are so rich in textures and they look a bit like comics. This picture book is always a hit in the classroom. Great idea for a children's book!
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