Module 1: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Book Cover Image

Book Summary

Alexander wakes up knowing that today is not going to be a good day. Nothing seems to go his way, not at home, not at school and not at his dad’s office. Everywhere he looks, something horrible is happening to him.

Written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Ray Cruz.

APA Reference of Book

Viorst, J. (1972). Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. New York, NY: Atheneum.

Impressions

I enjoy this book because it describes how many kids feel at one time or another. Sometimes it feels like nothing is going their way, but as Alexander’s mom says, “some days are like that.” I like that this is not a feel good story, but instead is a book to which many kids can relate. It is hard being a kid after all. Although the illustrations are black and white drawings, the use of lines creates depth and dimension of the characters. It creates a different feel than merely shading.

Professional Review

Of all the books out there that deal with schadenfreude, none do it quite so well as Alexander.  Now there’s a kid who just cannot win.  He’s the Charlie Brown of picture books.  If he isn’t losing his cash in Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday then he’s protesting a new living situation (not in Australia) in Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move. Of course he started life in this book where everything that could possibly go wrong does.  The perfect antidote to any adult that claims that childhood is one sweet, blissful, stress free ride of innocence and carefree days.

Bird, E. (2012, June 18). Top 100 picture books #8: Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray Cruz. Retrieved from http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2012/06/18/top-100-picture-books-8-alexander-and-the-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-day-by-judith-viorst-illustrated-by-ray-cruz/

Library Uses

This book could be used as a lead-in to writing apology letters. It is important for students to look at how their actions can affect others. Writing apology letters allows students to learn how to apologize to someone, as well as letter writing format.