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

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Illustrated by Ray Cruz
Published by Anthem Books for Young Readers (1972)

"It has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. My mom says some days are like that."

These are words that I have heard from my own mother on many occasions. We have all had those days where nothing goes our way. Alexander has a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, from beginning to end. Nothing seems to go his way. This makes him want to move to Australia. Alexander realizes that some days are just going to be this way, even in Australia.

This longer picture book, approximately 25 pages, contains detailed pencil drawings. The black and white drawings are not typical of most colorful picture books. Great attention has been paid to each illustration. I wish the book had a sequel about a very good day for Alexander. The book has been recently adapted to a movie. Check out the trailer!

After reading in your classroom, the book could be used as inspiration for students dealing with emotions from a very bad day. If students are having a bad day or something is upsetting them, they can take a flag of Australia and move to a separate space in the room to calm down and reflect. This is a great classroom management technique. Students and teachers can learn a lot from Alexander!

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