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

Alexander

by Judith Viorst

Alexander's rotten day is the perfect lead-off for this humorous collection of Judith Viorst's stories and poems about the ups and downs of childhood, read by Blythe Danner. Also included Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday and The Tenth Good Thing About Barney.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Classics, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Kids

Audio CD

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Judith Viorst is an American writer, newspaper journalist, and psychoanalysis researcher. She is known for her humorous observational poetry and for her children's literature. This includes The Tenth Good Thing About Barney (about the death of a pet) and the Alexander series of short picture books, which includes Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (1972), which has sold over two million copies.
Viorst is a 1952 graduate of the Newark College of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. In 1968, she signed the "Writers and Editors War Tax Protest" pledge, vowing to refuse tax payments in protest against the Vietnam War. In the latter part of the 1970s, after two decades of writing for children and adults, Viorst turned to the study of Freudian psychology. In 1981, she became a research graduate at Washington Psychoanalytic Institute after six years of study.

Reviews

[carol. · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Michael Finocchiaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[♥ℂĦℝΪՖƬΪℕÅ · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.”

[Robin Hobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.)

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

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'!

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Prabhjot Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Spencer Orey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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.

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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

[Shelle Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Christine Berger · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My oldest son loved this book when he was younger. I must have read it a hundred times to him!

[CG. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some days are just the worst.

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Magpie67 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[J9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Adriana Scarpin · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Christina (Confessions of a Book Addict) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Aneesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really speaks to my motto, "Life is hard." 4yo did not like it, and she's not going to like my motto either.

[Jamala Alkeshi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, I did not like this book. I can sense that a lot of it is suppose to be humerous, but I didn't like the overall negative feeling the book has. Also I don't like how Alexander acts, I feel like he is setting a very bad example for children without a remedy. For example the reason why he was having a bad day is because he was having a bad attitude, and there was no mention of that, or moral to teach children that the way he was acting was wrong. Although I did not appreciate the content so much I really appreciated the pictures, I feel like they are very creative. I enjoyed how they looked like simple black and white sketches. However I do not think I will use this in my classrooms or with my children because of some of the negative content.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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:

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

[Eslam الغني · Rating 4 out of 5]

ONLY 32 pages but if well-passionately written it will count as 300,

Have you ever had a bad day?,silly formula,OK after rephrasing Have you ever had your just share of bad days,and mostly the horrible ,terrible ones?,,,

How did you handle the whole situation?, What about your family and friends?, Did they participate in alleviating the burden,or as usual added their own vicious touch?

Alexander told us,shared his own misfortunes and disappointments from childish vivid humorous perspective,which gave the whole work it's distinguished catchy flavor;;;

Judith writing went hand in hand with Ray illustrations to make the whole book such an adorable,popular picture one from the year of it's publishing till now"A CLASSIC they produced really"

all in all the characters portrayal,story,significance of the whole thing are quite good,and it deserve reading no question...

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think both children and adults can identify with Alexander when he has a day when everything that can possibly go wrong does go wrong. Judith Viorst's delightful humor once again shines through in this book. Elementary students love to write stories about their own horrible days.

My grandson read this to me, and then told me a wonderful story about his horrible, terrible, no good, very bad day when his babysitter made him eat mushy broccoli!

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

2008 Apr 14

Some days are just like that: everything goes wrong from the beginning.

***

21 April 2026
I was on a roll with a terrible, awful, very bad week when I went to the library. When I saw Alexander on display there was no way I wasn't taking him home. Just seeing him cheered me up. Although I did briefly consider the merits of Australia.

Library copy

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite childhood books because somedays are like that...even in Australia!

[Ayesha (Seokjin's Version) ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this only for the Sporcle literature quizzes.