Editorial Review

"I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there'sgum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning I tripped onthe skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sinkwhile the water was running and I could tell it was going to be aterrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." Read more

Reviews (114)

my own bad day
I grew up with this book and today, at the age of 22, I was cheered up with just the thought of it while having my own horrible, terrible, no good, very bad day.
Wonderful Book
I thought this book was great - it was really colorful. The overall feel reminded me of the book "Now I Know the Ten Commandments". I recommend it to anyone.

an old favourite
My children grew up with this book and loved it. Now I've bought it for my [...] grandchild. It's a timeless, gentle, wonderful little story about how sometimes life just isn't what we want it to be. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Humorous Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    7. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    8. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories    9. Myth & legend told as fiction   

Reviews (18)

A personal favorite
As a veterinary technician who regularly assisted in euthanasia procedures, I kept kept copies of this book on hand to distribute to families with children.Years later I'm working as a teacher and still love it.In contrast to other reviewer comments that the book is morbid, I find the underlying message hopeful - that our bodies are part of a natural cycle and that death gives rise to new life.The language is simple, elegant and understandable even for young children.If you have family pets and have not yet experienced a loss, buy this book ahead of time.You'll appreciate having it on that day when inevitable death comes calling.

You don't wanna know the 10th good thing
I finally read this book after years and years of hearing it hyped as the perfect book to help a child deal with the loss of a pet, so I expected a lot. Nothing good to say about the 10th good thing....
I work in a school library and as a cat lover am always seeking out the cat books.This one caught my eye and I was expecting something wonderful.I found the story to be hopeless and defeating.How sad the only comfort the father has to offer is composting tips and the last memory the child has to hold is that of a decomposing cat.I'm no censor, but two thumbs way down.Also, if you are looking for something wonderful for pet loss, try Cynthia Rylant's, Cat Heaven! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Cats    2. Animals - Dogs    3. Animals - Pets    4. Cats    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 1-2    7. Death    8. Fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Social Issues - Death & Dying    11. Fiction dealing with specific issues    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Death & Dying   

Reviews (8)

ONE OF MY FAVORITES
IM STARTING A LIBRARY FOR MY NEW BABY AND THIS WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS WHEN I WAS A CHILD

Awesome!
This book is way better than alexeander and the horrible no good
Alexander and his money are quickly parted...
Judith Viorst's "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" is a classic of modern children's literature and probably many of us in my generation their first real thoughts about Australia.I was rather surprised to learn that there is a sequel of sorts from Viorst in the form of this 1978 story, "Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday." The problem is that Alexander's brother Anthony has two dollars, three quarters, one dime, seven nickels and eighteen pennies (do the math yourself) and his brother Nicholas has one dollar, two quarters, five dimes, five nickels and thirteen pennies (ditto).But all Alexander has are bus tokens.By the end of this story young readers will know why Alexander only has bus tokens despite the fact that last Sunday Alexander was rich because his Grandma Betty and Grandpa Louie came for a visit from New Jersey and gave each of the boys a dollar.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. Finance, Personal    6. Humorous Stories    7. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    8. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    9. Early learning / early learning concepts    10. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Editorial Review

Read more

Reviews (10)

I wonder what ever happened to. . .
Alexander?He'd be quite middle-aged by now, perhaps with children of his own.
Alexander loves Alexander
Okay, I'll admit it. It's cool to see the look on Alex's face when he gets books that have his name in them. And this was definitely a winner. We'd checked out 'the horrible, terrible, no-good, very bad day', so I knew he'd like this one. Of course when we read it together he reads what Alexander says. It's pretty cool.

Who hasn't had a "terrible, horrible no good very bad day"
I grew up just loving Alexander in Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day.My mother read it to us a children (ok, so now you know I'm not too old!) and I was just thrilled to see such a good copy of not only it but the other Alexander stories as well.The library binding is very nice and this book will definitely be a keepsake for my children someday.If you like to have books to pass on, this one's for you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthologies    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children's stories, American    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Finance, Personal    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Moving, Household    10. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    11. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    12. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (4)

If I Were in Charged of the World
Great book to read aloud to students and to challenge them towrite similar poems.

I can even top that
I was in the second grade when I first found this book, and subsequently read and memorized each poem. Viorst has an astounding ability to incorporate the hightened emotions of childhood with the reality of aging. She can be whimsical and rhythmic as well as dramatic and mornful. I would recommend buying this for any relative, friend, or yourself no matter what age. I still have my very first copy given to me by my grandmother and have yet to go a year without picking it up. Believe me, it is more than it seems.

Wonderful for all ages
I, too, got this book in approximately the third grade -- 17 years ago.I am now teaching middle school literature and share this collection with all of my students; I also have given it as a gift to every person under the sun, no matter what their age!It remains, unquestionably, my favorite collection of poetry, if not for its content, then for its sheer simplicity and "perfection."(If you read it, you'll understand what I mean...)Judith Viorst magically captures the sadness, scariness, uncertainty, and immense joys of childhood and adolescence -- her rhymes are clever, too!As I return to these poems as an adult, I find them as applicable today as they were more than ten years ago.Thank you, Ms. Viorst, for such an wonderful book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American poetry    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children's poetry    4. Children's poetry, American    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (6)

Judith Viorst comes up with another great Alexander story
"Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" is an absolute classic of children's literature, even if I have heard Judith Viorst's story done way too often at speech tournaments. The idea of feeling so mad or sad that you want to move to Australia remains one of the great punch lines. In "Alexander's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move" she comes up with a story almost as good. Alexander might talk about moving to Australia, but when his mom and dad tell him that the family is moving to a new home a thousand miles away he decides that he is not going to move. He is not even going to pack.
Do you hear me?
This is a continuation of the Alexander books.We should all have read about his terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day already.I also use this book in my classroom and have found that while the kids do like to hear another story about this adorable little boy, this story just doesn't click with them.The success of Alexander's other stories came from the way kids were able to relate to his situation.This book just doesn't have that. Alexander is definately moving...off the charts!
Alexander, Who's Not (Do you hear me? I mean it!) Going to move by Judith Viorst is a great childrens book.It is wonderfully illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. The storyline is realistic and approaches a subject in a creative style.It is attractive to young readers and manages to shed light on Alexander's negative feelings towards moving. Alexander ends up happy and so will the reader. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Family - General    4. Fiction    5. Humorous Stories    6. Interactive Adventure    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Moving    9. Moving, Household    10. Social Issues - New Experience    11. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Reviews (2)

Great persuasive book!
As a teacher, I am always on the lookout for a great book that demonstrates the type of writing I am teaching. In this case, EARRINGS is a wonderful example of persuasion. The little girl is trying to convince her parents that she is ready for pierced ears, but her parents (like myself) are stubborn. She uses every form of persuasion, from begging to making deals, to get her parents to relent. Earringsa wonderful tale
My sister really enjoyed this book and we checked is out of the library so much we had to but it for Christmas.A cute tale for all little girls to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Earrings    4. Family - General    5. Fiction    6. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    7. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Reviews (5)

A wonderful book in English orSpanish!
A friend in a college language class (not Spanish I'm afraid) advised me that books familiar to us in English are one of the best ways to increase our vocabulary in our target language.I took her up on it then, and when both I and my niece enrolled in Spanish classes (I at the local community college, with tuition paid for by my employer; she in junior high), I purchased this book for her and some other books for myself.
Great addition to your library in Spanish
This is a great book for those of us who want to raise our children bilingually and equally wonderful for Spanish-speakers. The Spanish is fun--I also love the repetition of "el d�a terrible, horrible..." The fact that the names are not translated is fine--not all English names have a Spanish translation and vice-versa. I believe it keeps the integrity of the original version and the Alexander character.

ME VOY A AUSTRALIA !
Qu� dice un ni�o al que TODO le sale mal ? "Me voy a Australia !". Los dibujos - en blanco y negro - est�n espl�ndidamente ilustrados, la cara de Alexander es indescriptible por su picard�a. Un libro para leer y ver con los hijos a la hora de dormir. Un libro alentador, especial para aquellos ni�os "dif�ciles" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Humorous Stories    3. Reading materials    4. Spanish language    5. Spanish language materials    6. Spanish: Grades 2-3    7. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (12)

Heart to soul...good snippets of thoughts.
Yes, you can go back home.Most of these quotes come from books that either I remember reading as a young girl or that I read to my sons when they were growing up.As an adult/grown-up they have an entirely new meaning and perception that is heartrendering at times and at others very up lifting.I liked it and have purchased another to pass along.

treasure this
this is a book to treasure.Ms. Gash has done a remarkable job compiling it.I've purchased this book for at least a dozen of my male friends, and they're not even gay.Don't let this one fall between the cracks.The lessons are inspirational on many levels; Gash's selections, geared to adults, from the greatest children's books are consistently entertaining and thought-provoking, no small feat in these crazy, meaning-challenged times.I can't say enough about this unique, compelling book, unless I already have.

Excellent!
This is a really awesome idea.There are truly so many gems out there.Most of them you will remember reading too.I would like to see an even more indepth version with more children's books.But, what an awesome start.This could start the next great "Chicken Soup..." or "...for Dummies" movement in books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Literature - General    2. General    3. Motivational & Inspirational    4. Quotations    5. Reference    6. Dictionaries of quotations    7. Fiction anthologies & collections    8. Reference / General   

Reviews (1)

Ease the good-byes
My young children enjoyed this book because they could identify with the content of a young boy who doesn't want his parents to leave him with a babysitter for the night.This delightful storyproves that not allpicture books have to be syrupy-sweet.Children see themselves in theyoung character who refuses to let his parents leave without a fuss.Youknow that old adage that "misery loves company"?Judith Viorstis the champion at depicting young children's complaints, and thisselection is no exception.Share it with your young child today. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Family - General    4. Fiction    5. Parent and child    6. Separation anxiety    7. Separation anxiety in children    8. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    9. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    10. Early learning / early learning concepts    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Reviews (4)

WONDERFUL BOOK
As a camp counselor, we use this book all of the time to show the importance a friendship can have in the lives of children.The book is super-humorous, and keeps your attention, while also able to carry on the important message, that through everything, your friends will always be there

A Friendly Companion
As a college student, my professor introduced me to this wonderful author and book. This is a exciting book to give away to the best of friends! It is a story of a most true friendship that people of all backgrounds can relate to. Rosie and Michael take us through the rollercoasters of young friendship and allow us to reminisce as well as find gratitude for all true companions.

The best book for a best friend!
My best friend and I have adopted this book as "our book." We read it when we miss each other and it brings back all the memories of a great childhood friendship. This is a book that shouldn't be passed over.This is truly one of my favorites and is perfect for any occasion! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. Friendship    6. Humorous Stories    7. Social Issues - Friendship    8. Social Situations - Friendship    9. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Reviews (2)

Sad Underwear
Once I readbook about poetry.It was called Sad Underwear.
On SAD UNDERWEAR
In keeping with the style and humor of her previous works, Judith Viorst's SAD UNDERWEAR offers a unique views of life through revisiting fairy tales with a 90's spin and creating thought-provoking verses that discusschildhood trauma, triumphs, and concerns.Certain poems, such as"Exploring"; "What Dads Do"; "It's a WonderfulWorld, but They Made a Few Mistakes"; or "See the Jolly FatBoy," speak volumes to all audiences--young children to young-at-heartadults.Sweet and poignant, the book becomes a good gift for anyoneapproaching any of life's passages.A good companion piece would beViorst's IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE WORLD AND OTHER WORRIES. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children's poetry, American    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Humorous poetry    5. Humorous poetry, American    6. Poetry - Humorous    7. Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry / Humorous   

Reviews (9)

Zombies and ghosts
Very interesting book.All my kids (6, 4 and 3) love it for the ghosts and monsters, although I think the book is a bit too difficult and long for the 2 younger ones to follow.All the same, they like to hear about Monsters - again and again.Yet, at the end of every reading they will ask "so are there monsters?" and "did you also make a mistake about monsters, mummy?".

Fearless Female Brought Up With This Book
This was my FAVORITE book when I was little.The monsters did creep into my dreams, but the theme of the book is that Mom,though she did sometimes make mistakes, was the strongest around.I mean, heck, she could scare away monsters! Would give zero stars if that were an option!
I bought this book after reading the good comments of other reviewers, but find I completely wasted my money since I immediately donated it to charity without ever letting my kids see it.I am pretty liberal about what they read----"My Monster Mama loves me so"and "Frank was a Monster (who wanted to dance)" are their FAVORITE books---but this book is plain scary, not humorous or comforting. I bought this for my fearful 5-year-old (to try to help quell her fear of the dark) but this book would give even my eight-year-old nightmares, though my 10-year-old would probably find it amusing. I agree with the reviewer who said that mom is made to look like a bit of a dolt, right up until the very last (and somewhat confusing) page. If your kids weren't scared of the dark before reading this, it will give them plenty of new monsters to worry about.Skip this book and instead go for"No Such Thing". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Fiction    4. Monsters    5. Mothers    6. Social Issues - General    7. Early learning / early learning concepts    8. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Editorial Review

Olivia is very neat, and her brother Jake is "sort of, but not a HUGEslob," but their little sister Sophie is another matter altogether. Sophie'sroom is "seriously--I mean seriously--REVOLTING." Olivia simply can't get overSophie's untidiness in every single situation--school, Halloween, even thebathtub is no sanctuary from the messy hand of Sophie. With her clothes and toystossed higgledy-piggledy everywhere she goes, Sophie is her orderly sister'sworst nightmare. However, her mother does want Olivia to mention that Sophie isalso a "kind and very nice person," and their dad reminds Olivia that Sophie issmart and funny, and even their big brother Jake says that Sophie's great atpuzzles and dancing. Olivia's only hope is that one of these days Sophie will"start to remember to stop forgetting to try NOT to be so super-completely andtotally THE MESSIEST."Read more

Reviews (10)

Messy girls
My younger kids (boy, 4 and girl,3) love the book.However, the book is a bit too long and the kids sometimes lose interest before the story ends.My bigger boy of 6 didn't really take to it - but then, it may be because the main characters are girls.

Super-Completely and Totally funny!
My 4 year old daughter loves this book so much, while already loving books, I believe this one has made her a book lover for life. The artwork is hilarious and the story itself is really funny. We can't help but crack up each time (like 4 x's a week) we read it. Great stuff.

Not a keeper
I bought this book but it is not one of my favorite and not one that I need to keep in my collection.I was just bored with it and didn't really find any point to the story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Cleanliness    5. Family - Siblings    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Orderliness    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. Sisters    12. Social Issues - General    13. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Siblings   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Preparedness    9. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    10. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    11. Viorst, Judith    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Emotions & Feelings   

Reviews (5)

When I'm six
My children like the things Alexander plans to do to Anthony.But my 2 younger kids (4 and 3) do not understand that it is just day dreaming.They are also a bit confused that Alexander can do all these thing and still get away with it.The story is also a little too long.But for the older boy (6) this is a great book.

Great Book To Read to Kids
I love this book! I read this when I was a kindergarten teacher and my own children had a copy-it is tattered from many years of use but I have now read it to my grandsons(age 4) they like it too!
I'LL FIX ANTHONy
This book is made for children ages four to seven. This book is about a boy whose name is not mentioned in the book. This boy has a very mean older brother named Anthony. All the boy ever wants to do is play with his brother Anthony, he even lets Anthony barrow and play with all his things. Anthony is vary mean to his little brother even though his little brother is nice to him. Well the little boy says when he turns six everything is going to change and he will be the boss of Anthony. It gives many funny examples of how things will change when he turns six. This is a great book for children, it teaches them not to be a bully to other people because someday that person may come back later in life and treat them that way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers    2. Brothers and sisters    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Preschool    5. Family - Siblings    6. Fiction    7. Early learning / early learning concepts    8. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Siblings   

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 2-3    2. Humorous stories   

Reviews (2)

Very funny!
I loved reading this book growing up because I could understand how the brothers felt about not waking their parents on the weekend. (Of course, if they just made a little racket, that would be okay.) This book is a funny example of how kids try to understand their parents, but just fall a little bit short.

Sunday Morning is true to life!!
I was so excited to find this book on Amazon. This was my and my sister's favorite book growing up.Everyone who has been a child can identify with the hours before their parents wake-up.It is hilarious! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers    2. Brothers and sisters    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Family - General    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Reviews (2)

I love this book!
I read this book at least once a day and it really helps me through hard times. I like when Alexander gets gum in his hair, I think that's funny! I also like it when the Critters eat the chili.

Great for Teachers!
After reading this book I used it all the time in my class room and it was great.My kids loved it and I even had a great time with the teachers making them laugh! You'll love this book. I recomend to get Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day first before buying this.I highly recomend this book because of all of the fun I had! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 3-4    2. Education / Teaching    3. Elementary    4. Teaching Methods & Materials - Language Arts    5. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading   

Reviews (1)

Unconventional verse alphabet
Judith Viorst's The Alphabet from Z to A (with much confusion on the way) is a rather unconventional alphabet book in verse.Starting at the end of the alphabet and progressing forward, each letter has one page devoted to it with verses ranging from two to seven lines, in varying rhythms.The verses address the confusing idiosyncrasies of the English language, complaining about homonyms, silent letters, and other anomalies in a slyly exasperated tone:
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alphabet    2. Alphabet rhymes    3. Children's 4-8    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children's poetry, American    6. Children: Grades 2-3    7. Concepts - Alphabet    8. English language    9. Juvenile poetry    10. Preschool Reading Skills    11. Viorst, Judith    12. ABC books    13. Fiction    14. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / Alphabet