Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Book Summary
TL;DR
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day follows young Alexander through a day filled with mishaps and misfortunes, showing that bad days happen to everyone and emphasizing resilience and optimism.
What is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day about
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, written by Judith Viorst, is a children's book that details a particularly challenging day in the life of a young boy named Alexander. From the moment Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair, things go from bad to worse. He faces a series of unfortunate events, including having no dessert in his lunch, being scolded by his teacher, and finding out he has a cavity. The book portrays the common childhood experience of feeling overwhelmed by a string of bad luck, while also conveying a reassuring message: bad days are temporary, and tomorrow is a new opportunity for things to go right.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day 5 Key Takeaways
Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair.
From the very start, Alexander's day begins poorly when he finds gum stuck in his hair. This sets the tone for the rest of his day.
No dessert in lunch and other school troubles.
At school, Alexander faces more frustrations including not having dessert in his lunch, being scolded by his teacher, and other minor mishaps.
Trouble at the dentist.
Alexander's day continues to worsen as he discovers he has a cavity during his dental check-up, adding to his series of unfortunate events.
Fights with siblings and friends.
He also deals with arguments and disagreements with his siblings and friends, feeling isolated and misunderstood.
Alexander's realization.
By the end of the day, Alexander learns that everyone has bad days, and that it's okay to feel upset when things don't go as planned.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Videos
Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Top Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Quotes
- 'I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.'
- 'Some days are like that.'
Who should read Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?
This book is ideal for young children, particularly those in junior and primary levels. It helps them understand and cope with bad days, teaching them resilience and the importance of keeping a positive attitude. Parents and educators can also use this book as a tool to discuss emotions and problem-solving with children.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Best Reviews
- The New York Times praises the book as 'a perfect example of childhood frustrations captured brilliantly.'
- School Library Journal notes, 'Judith Viorst's narrative is both humorous and empathetic, making it a timeless classic for young readers.'
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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day FAQs
What is the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day about?
The book tells the story of a young boy named Alexander and his bad day that is filled with one crisis after another. From the moment Alexander wakes up and finds gum in his hair he knows it is going to be a bad day, and he is correct.
What is the message of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?
Despite all the trouble Alexander goes through, his courage and resolve get him through the difficult day. The book assures readers that there's always tomorrow if today is not going their way and that attitude is everything when it comes to tackling frustrating obstacles.
What age group is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?
This book is ideal for young children, particularly those in junior and primary levels, helping them understand and cope with bad days.