When it comes to children’s books, few have stood the test of time like Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Written by Judith Viorst in 1972, this beloved classic has been delighting children and parents alike for generations. With its humorous story and light-hearted illustrations, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is sure to be a hit with any young reader.
This version of the book comes with an added bonus – a classic board game. The game features four different playing pieces – Alexander, Mommy, Daddy and Anthony – as well as two dice and a set of instructions. Kids can enjoy rolling the dice to move around the board while learning more about Alexander’s day. With simple rules that even young kids can understand, this game is perfect for family fun.
So if you’re looking for a fun way to entertain your children or get them engaged in reading, consider getting them Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Read on to find out why this book is such a timeless classic!
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Review

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a classic board book that both children and adults love. Written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Ray Cruz, this story teaches kids about accepting life’s ups and downs with humor and courage.
Key Features:
1. A humorous tale of a bad day experienced by Alexander
2. Classic illustrations that will capture children’s attention
3. Teaches children to accept life’s ups and downs with humor
4. Encourages children to be resilient in the face of adversity
5. Perfect for reading aloud to young children
Are you having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day? If so, Alexander’s story might be just the thing to turn your frown upside down! Follow along as Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair, trips on his skateboard, and finds lima beans in his lunch box — all before breakfast ends! It may seem like a disaster at first, but with each challenge he encounters throughout the day, Alexander learns how to cope with his emotions and ultimately find joy in the little things. Not only does this book provide hours of entertainment for kids of all ages, but it also serves as an important reminder that bad days happen but can also be turned around with a positive attitude.
Product Details
| Title | Author | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day | Judith Viorst | Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers |
| Binding | Edition | |
| Hardcover | Board book edition | |
| Product Dimensions | ||
| 8.1 x 0.6 x 6.9 inches; 10.6 ounces | ||
| Item model number | ISBN-10 | ISBN-13 |
| 1442498161 | 1442498161 | 978-1442498164 |
| Number of pages | ||
| 14 pages | ||
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Pros and Cons
1. Pros:
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a classic book that has been popular among children for generations.
- The illustrations in this book are colorful and whimsical, which will captivate young readers.
- It teaches good lessons about having a positive attitude even when things seem to be going wrong.
- This board book edition of the story is perfect for small hands and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
2. Cons:
- The text of the story itself is quite short and may not hold the attention of older children for very long.
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day can be a bit depressing for some children due to its negative tone.
- Alexander’s bad day, while relatable to many kids, may be too much for some who have experienced similar situations in their own lives.
Overall, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is an entertaining read that comes with valuable life lessons. It’s sure to bring lots of laughs and smiles to young readers as they experience Alexander’s terrible day! From learning how to remain positive despite life’s obstacles to appreciating the little things in life – this book has it all!
Who are They for
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst is an iconic classic children’s book published in 1972 that has been loved by generations of children and adults alike. This special board book edition features vibrant illustrations that bring this beloved story to life for a new generation of young readers.
The charmingly relatable tale follows Alexander as he experiences one of those days filled with everything going wrong. From waking up with gum in his hair to tripping in the middle of his class’s presentation, nothing goes right for poor Alexander. Through it all, Alexander learns an important lesson about resilience and accepting life’s inevitable ups and downs.
This delightful story provides comfort and encourages optimism for young readers facing their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days. It also includes a guide for parents and educators on how to best use the story to help children cope with frustration and sadness.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is designed to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Share this timeless classic with your family today!
My Experience for Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Hey, guess what? Today is the worst day ever! I’m talking about Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
I woke up this morning feeling like something bad was gonna happen. Sure enough, I was right. Nothing went my way all day long – from gum in my hair to lima beans for dinner. It was like the universe was conspiring against me!
First of all, my mom gave me way too many kisses. Ten to be exact! Then my best friend didn’t invite me to his birthday party. But that’s okay; I don’t really like chocolate cake anyways.
Then comes lunch time. My teacher gave us a surprise pop quiz. Ugh! I failed it miserably. What a way to ruin an already bad day!
But wait, it gets even worse…
My brother got a brand new bike and I didn’t even get one! That made me so mad I yelled at him until he cried.
At least when I got home, I had some ice cream to cheer me up… or so I thought. Turns out my little sister ate the last scoop before I could get to it! This day just keeps getting better and better… not!
To make matters worse, my dad took away my favorite video game as punishment for yelling at my brother earlier. Talk about adding insult to injury!
So yeah, that’s how my day went – terrible, horrible, no good and very bad. But hey, at least tomorrow can only get better from here, right? Fingers crossed…
What I don’t Like
1. The illustrations in the book may not be appealing to all readers.
2. It does not provide a deeper understanding of Alexander’s feelings and experiences.
3. The story may be too short for some readers.
4. It does not contain interactive elements like games or activities.
How to Turn a Bad Day Around with Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
No one wants a bad day! But if you ever find yourself stuck in a less-than-ideal situation, take a page from Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. This classic children’s book by Judith Viorst tells the story of Alexander and his really terrible day. Through the book, Alexander learns how to turn his very bad day around. Here are some tips on how to apply Alexander’s strategies to your own life:
- Find something to be grateful for: One of the first things Alexander does is recognize all the things that aren’t so bad. He starts off by counting his blessings and finds something good in each situation. Make sure you take time out of your day to appreciate all the good things. A great way to do this is by writing them down or sharing them with someone else.
- Talk it out: When faced with a problem, talking about it can help you figure out how to solve it. Alexander talks to his mom who helps him come up with different ways he can make his day better. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your feelings with your family or friends, seek professional help.
- Look on the bright side: Bad days happen, but try not to dwell on them too much. As Alexander learned in his story, there are always brighter days ahead! Find ways to distract yourself from negative thoughts and focus on positive activities like going for a walk or listening to music.
Just like Alexander did in his story, use these tips as an opportunity to learn and grow from difficult situations. With a little bit of effort and perseverance, you can turn any bad day into a great one.
Questions about Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
What age group is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day suitable for?
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is suitable for children aged 4-8. With its classic story, vivid illustrations and relatable characters, it’s sure to bring a smile to your child’s face no matter what kind of day they’re having!
What makes Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day a great book?
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day has been entertaining children (and adults!) since 1972 with its timeless story of a bad day. The hilarious antics of young Alexander will have your kids laughing out loud as he navigates his way through one of life’s hardest lessons – learning to accept that some days are just bad.
Can I get Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day in multiple formats?
Yes! You can find Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day in both paperback and hardcover formats on Amazon or wherever books are sold. It’s also available as an e-book for Kindle and other digital reading devices.
Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

















