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

Alexander feels so like a contemporary kid with every day issues that it’s hard to believe his story was first published in 1972. Forty-two years later, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is still so relevant (and funny) that a version is about to hit cinemas. Here’s how it goes:

Alexander went to bed with gum in his mouth and woke up with it in his hair, then he tripped on his skateboard and dropped his sweater in the sink while the water was running: he could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day.

Every page depicts scenes that are so familiar, I had to laugh out loud. Do you remember when you got picked on, but the only person who got into trouble was you? Hasn’t everyone had a best friend who declares that you are no longer best friend material?

You get the idea. The most recent edition of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day has Alexander depicted in full colour, while the rest of his world is black and white. I have to admit it. Alexander is adorable, and even though the movie won’t be anything like the book, I can’t wait to see it.

With it’s classic every day dilemmas and the adorable Alexander as the central character, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a keeper.

Title: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Author: Judith Viorst
Illustrator: Ray Cruz
Publisher: Simon and Schuster $14.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1972, 2009, 2014
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781471122873
For ages: 3+ years
Type: Picture Book