Alexander y el día terrible, horrible, espantoso, horroroso
8.48 / 10 189K ratings
- Language
- Spanish
- Published
- 1992
- Publisher
- Scholastic Incorporated
- Pages
- 32
- ISBN
- 9780590465663
From the moment he wakes up with gum in his hair, Alexander can tell it is going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. He trips on his skateboard, fails to get a prize in his cereal box, and does not get a window seat in the carpool. At school, his day does not improve when he is criticized for his drawing and his best friend decides he is only his third best friend now. The calamities continue to pile up, from a dentist appointment that reveals a cavity to being forced to buy plain white sneakers.
As the frustrations mount, Alexander decides on the only logical solution: he will move to Australia. This story follows his comically catastrophic day, capturing the universal feeling that sometimes everything just goes wrong. It offers a humorous and reassuring exploration of frustration, disappointment, and the simple truth that everyone, everywhere, has bad days, providing a comforting lesson that difficult days are a shared part of life.
As the frustrations mount, Alexander decides on the only logical solution: he will move to Australia. This story follows his comically catastrophic day, capturing the universal feeling that sometimes everything just goes wrong. It offers a humorous and reassuring exploration of frustration, disappointment, and the simple truth that everyone, everywhere, has bad days, providing a comforting lesson that difficult days are a shared part of life.
Subjects
- Children's Books
- Growing Up & Facts of Life
- Friendship, Social Skills & School Life
- CHILDREN'S FICTION
- United States
- Juvenile Fiction
- Education
- Juvenile fiction
- Teaching
- Social Themes
- People & Places
- Juvenile Nonfiction
- Social Topics
- Emotions & Feelings
- Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
- Language Arts & Disciplines
- Literacy
- Reading & Phonics
- Hispanic & Latino
- Humorous Stories
- BEHAVIOR_FICTION
- HUMOROUS STORIES
- Legends, Myths, Fables
- Humorous stories
- Literary Criticism & Collections
Original edition
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad DayOriginally published in 1972 English Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Other editions (18)
What other readers say
Liked
The book is widely celebrated as a beloved classic, cherished by many adults who remember it fondly from their own childhoods and now enjoy sharing it with younger generations. Reviewers consistently praise its memorable and often-quoted title phrase, which has resonated with readers for decades. Many find the story wonderfully relatable, recognizing the universal experience of having a day where everything seems to go wrong. The simple yet effective black and white illustrations are frequently highlighted for perfectly capturing the mood and contributing to the book's humor and charm. Readers appreciate the book's message that everyone experiences difficult days, offering a valuable perspective for children feeling frustrated or "the blues," and providing a sense of validation without trying to force a quick fix.
Disliked
Despite its popularity, some readers express reservations about the book's overall tone. A recurring critique is that the story can feel overwhelmingly negative, with some finding the main character's attitude to be whiny, obnoxious, or even a poor example for young children. These reviewers feel that the book focuses on a series of misfortunes without sufficiently addressing the character's reactions or offering a clear moral lesson about managing frustration or disrespect. Some adults, upon re-reading, found it less appealing than they remembered, perceiving it as a "downer" or noting that very young children might not fully grasp its intended message, while older children might find the character's problems easily solvable.
In short
Ultimately, this book remains a highly influential and widely discussed piece of children's literature. It is generally recommended for children ages four and up, particularly those who might benefit from seeing their own frustrations reflected in a story and understanding that "some days are just like that." While its portrayal of a challenging day resonates strongly with many for its humor and honesty, prospective readers should be aware that some find its approach to the main character's behavior and the lack of explicit resolution to be a point of contention. It is best suited for readers who appreciate an objective depiction of emotions and the everyday struggles of childhood, offering a chance for discussion about feelings and the shared human experience of imperfect days.
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