Book Description

Alexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in this hair.

And it got worse...

His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV!

This handsome new edition of Judith Viorst's classic picture book is sure to charm readers of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (76)

a terrible day book
i discovered this book when i was in grade skool and i remember running home and telling my mom all abt it, how it was just like what i used to go through. it's abt this little boy named alexander who has the worst day of his life (or so he thinks.) he wakes up with gum in his hair, goes to skool with no dessert in his lunch, finds a cavity at the dentist's office, wants the sneakers with the red stripes but his brother got them first so he has to have the plain white ones, has lima beans for supper, and is forced to go to sleep in train pajamas. it's such a cute book simply becuz you know kids go through it everyday. if ever yr child is having a bad day, read them alexander and see if they don't improve attitudes just a little.

Still makes me laugh
I'm 17 years old and still remember and enjoy reading this book from when I was younger. A friend of mine and I recently got together to go read children's books all day at the local bookstore, and I was delighted when I found "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" sitting on the shelves ready to be read. Alexander is a typical little boy who believes every obstacle in his life is leading to the end of the world. I laughed the whole way through the book, relating to him on several levels. I think the book is wonderfully written for all audiences; while a child may life, an adult may look at Alexander's tale and reminisce about their own childhood when they received plain white sneakers instead of ones with racing stripes.

Run-on sentences and extremely negative energy.
Allow me to quote the first page of this book:
"I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning I tripped on the skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was running and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day."

This is not posting on an Internet forum about your favorite movies where you can write what, how much, and however you want; it's a book written for children, and we can't have blatant mistakes such as run-on sentences. Therefore, I'm wondering how this page, as well as many other sentences in the book, made it past the editor(s).

As I finished the first page, the five year old child I was reading to, looked at me funny and wondered why I seemed out of breath. Even she noticed the run-on sentences and found it an awkward listen. So for the rest of the book, where I deemed it appropriate, I paused as if there were actual periods and commas where there should be.

Not only is this book an expert at run-on sentences, but it also showcases an extremely negative attitude in a boy. That may have been justified had the book addressed the issue by the end, but it alas, it doesn't. It just plays it off as if it's normal for children to be this negative. Many people wrote that they can relate to this child and his negative experiences, but if you stretch it, you can say that in reference to many other children's books as well.

Negative people give off negative energy, and without ways to deal with this issue, this is not the kind of book I want children exposed to.

An extremely negative character and ugly grammar does not make a good children's book. I would give it no stars if Amazon allowed it. This is the worst children's book I have ever purchased.

I found a kindred.
As a child plagued with bouts of unluck, I thought I'd found a kindred when I stumbled over the beleaguered Alexander and his tale. He was everything I was. I found this book tucked away in an elementary school's library at a very young age and thought it was hysterical....and I felt the utmost empathy for Alexander, of course.

Everyone has days like these. Grownups can also surely relate to it. I know I still can. It's a great book and I don't see why so many people have posted negative reviews; perhaps they never have bad days??

Children will find a delightful and compassionate friend in Alexander; I would reccomend this book - vehemently - to anyone with children. Or without - if you'd simply like a good smile.

Makes every bad day better!!
This book is great. I read it in a children's literature course in college and I remembered it when I was pregnant with my first son. I know that he'll grow to love Alexander and his very bad day!! Wonderful!! ... Read more

Book Description

This one-of-a-kind collection reminds weary adults not to lose sight of the values and virtues they learned as kids. Here are over three hundred quotations from over two hundred well-loved children's books, such as Charlotte's Web, Peter Pan, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Eloise, Sounder, Number the Stars, and Goodnight Moon, organized by topic, among them Acceptance, Goodness, Family Woes, and Growing Old. On Silence: "I assure you that you can pick up more information when you are listening than when you are talking."--E. B.White, The Trumpet of the Swan. On Reverence: "Dying's part of the wheel, right there next to being born. . . . Being part of the whole thing, that's the blessing."--Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting.

With clever illustrations from Pierre Le-Tan, here is a book to share with a friend or keep by your own bedside. It's the perfect gift for your sister, your mother, your brother, your nephew, your kid's teacher, your daughter away at college, your son in the Navy, your mailman, your priest, for the old lady next door, or for the baby just born. Most importantly, give it to yourself. It will help you remember why you loved reading in the first place. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A Nice Little Book
A good concept & a nice little book. I'd like to see this idea expanded into a larger work, with more children's books used as sources, & with subject & title indices. It'd be even better then!

Wonderful, Charming Book
I just happened upon this book in my local bookstore, and I feel lucky really. It's a gem. Filled with wonderfully witty and wise quotations from childrens books through the ages. The quotations brought back lovely memories of my own childhood and my own childhood reading. They also reminded me of how beautiful and eloquent and wise the simple thoughts are from great children's literature. Thank you, Amy Gash, for putting together such a thoughtful and moving collection. I plan to buy many as gifts for friends and for my own children's teachers. There's a lot to learn from children's literature--wisdom and perspective and, perhaps most of all, a sense humor. I can't think of a better introduction to the world of children's literature--and what it has to offer to grown ups too--than What The Dormouse Said.

misleading
this book offers no "brilliant insight" - it is just a list of quotes the author found interesting. The organization is loose and reading even a couple pages of it is choppy at best.

a fun read for all
my wife and i really enjoyed this book. so many of these quotes apply in day-to-day situations we couldn't stop saying to each other: "this one is SO true!"

good for older kids and adults.

A very enjoyable collection
This is a delightful collection of quotations that anyone who loves children's books will enjoy. Sources range from Alice in Wonderland to Winnie-the-Pooh to Narnia to Harry Potter. The book is divided into chapters, including Imagination and Adventure; Animals; Character and Individuality; Greed, Envy, Pride, and Sloth; Songs and Stories. There's an index of titles so you can look up your favorites. Here are a couple of my favorites: "Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." ("The Wind in the Willows"); "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." ("The Hobbit"). ... Read more

Book Description

My cat Barney died this Friday. I was very sad. My mother said we could have a funeral for him, and I should think of ten good things about Barney so I could tell them...

But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. Later, while talking with his father, he discovers the tenth -- and begins to understand. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

An educational tool for the coping skills dealing with loss
This has been one of my favorite books, for myself, my friends, and for use in my work with children. The story is simple, touching, and gives a beautifully positive way to cope with any loss--remembering the good things. The story specifically deals with the death of a young boy's cat and the funeral that follows, as well as the concept of the circle of life. The mother in the story asks her son to think of ten good things about the cat. This task helps him remember the things he liked about his cat and takes his mind off the pain he feels. The concept of concentrating on good memories about someone who is gone is excellent, and an easy way to begin the healing process and encourage a child to talk about his feelings. I've even used the idea when I've had to separate from the children I've worked with. I tell them the ten good things I will remember about them. Outstanding book--timeless!!

A Book About Death from the Point of View of a Little Boy
The little boy who is the narrator of this book has just had his pet cat Barney die. He can only think of nine good things about Barney, until the day after the funeral, when he spends the day in the garden with his father. The plot is extremely simple and spare, but the book depicts grief very well, and so we understand just how broken-hearted the little boy is, and how much he loved his cat. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney is an excellent springboard for families of every religious persuasion (including agnostics and atheists) to discuss what they feel happens after we die. My bright, perceptive and sensitive four-year-old has been asking a lot of questions lately -- about birth and death -- and I used this book to explain death to him. The book was extremely powerful for him, and helped him to put into words many questions that he had, and helped me to answer them for him as best I could. The writing is excellent, and perfectly captures the voice of a young boy, and the illustrations are elegant. It's a classic book, and belongs in every library.

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.

It's not a bad book. I've always liked Judith Viorst's wry voice that seems to capture children's unsure moments so perfectly, and "...Barney" has a lot of that.

The particular details of the story are even good -- I love that the boy's mother wraps Barney in a piece of cloth before they bury him. I love that the boy's best friend attends the funeral to hear him recite the nine best things about Barney. I love the little argument they have after the funeral, about whether Barney is really in heaven, or if he's just in the ground.

But the book takes a jarring twist when the boy decides what the 10th good thing about Barney is. The 10th good thing is basically that Barney is dead and rotting. OK, OK -- dead and rotting and therefore helping flowers to grow. Life will come from his death, and yes, that is the message.

But really. Basically the 10th good thing about Barney is that he's dead and rotting. I'm a fairly morbid person, very interested in the process of death and decomposition, but I think the ending of this story is too morbid to present to young children at the end of this otherwise sweet, sentimental story. It doesn't seem to fit.

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!

Simple and sensitive, for all ages
Beautifully simple and sensitive portrayel. Could be a comfort for all ages. Keep it in your library to read and reread. Similar to BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY, which is also a tale for all ages about dealing with the pain of pet loss and grief. ... Read more

Book Description

Last Sunday, Alexander's grandparents gave him a dollar -- and he was rich. There were so many things that he could do with all of that money!

He could buy as much gum as he wanted, or even a walkie-talkie, if he saved enough. But somehow the money began to disappear...

Readers of all ages will be delighted by this attractive new edition of Judith Viorst's beloved picture book. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

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.

Alexander would really like to buy a walkie-talkie, but saving money is pretty hard for somebody his age. As we read this story, illustrated by Ray Cruz, we see how Alexander manages to end up with only bus tokens. I was going to say they would see what Alexander spends his money on, but spending implies getting something in return for your money and while that might apply to buying bubble gum and renting a snake, it does not apply to losing bets or being fined so saying words that little boys should not say. But then the point of Viorst's story is to make the idea of money management clear to young readers and the ways in which Alexander goes from being rich to being poor certainly drives home that particular lesson. As Alexander comes to realize, if you are absolutely positively going to save your money you have to get some money to save.

This book is not as charming as Alexander's original adventure, but then not many children's books rise to that level. However, for parents who have young children whose money is constantly burning a hole in their pockets, "Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday" could be a gentle way of making the point they have probably already made repeatedly. However, parents will almost certainly have to buy this book themselves, because even if this book is not as expensive as a walkie-talkie, it almost certainly will be beyond the current economic capacity of the kids who would most profit from reading it.

Wonderful for being able to laugh at yourself
I always loved Alexander and the Horrible Day. This book was just as good at pointing out human foibles in the body of a small child. Here Alexander is given an allowance, and somehow, it slips through his fingers by the following weekend. We can all relate, and I loved the book.

A Math Book?
I brought this book into a sixth grade class that was having trouble with decimals. I used it to help them make the connection between decimals and their lives. They listened with rapt attention, and then worked enthusiastically the rest of the period writing their own word problems with money. By the next day everyone got decimals. Judith Viorst is a muse! You can find everything in her works, from school and work to life and love. This book gave me (math phobic) a way to teach a math lesson from a Language Arts perspective that helped the students learn!

A great first lesson in economics
Here in Virginia, one of our 1st grade Standards of Learning concerns identifying and understanding concepts of economic resources. This is a great book to illustrate these concepts in a way accessible to young children.

Great book.
I really enjoyed this book. It is the story that I believe every child goes through. ... Read more

Book Description

If you've ever had trouble apologizing or keeping a secret, had a crush or a broken heart, there's a poem here for you!Written with humor and understanding, Judith Viorst's poems are certain to delight children and adults alike -- and be read again and again. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

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!

One of my long-time favorites
I originally got this book from my grandparents when I was in third grade--16 or 17 years ago. I didn't like it immediately, but a few years later I fell in love with the quick rhymes and the amusing, realistic subject matter. I still have some of them memorized today: "They tell me that I talk too much. I'm trying not to talk too much..." I'm replacing the book now because I've realized that I lost it sometime in the last year, and I still enjoy re-reading it now. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day was first published in 1972, catapulting a lovable, if peevish, young hero into the world of children's literature. Since then, Judith Viorst--mother of three boys, one of whom is named Alexander--has created two more Alexander books, Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday and Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move.

This wonderful Alexander-fest features the complete tales, illustrated by Ray Cruz and Robin Preiss Glasser, much to the delight of fans who want to introduce Alexander to the uninitiated. Viorst says that she has been writing always--"or at least since I was seven or eight, when I composed an ode to my dead parents, both of whom were alive and well and, when they read my poem, extremely annoyed." If you've ever gone to sleep with gum in your mouth or dropped your sweater in the sink while the water was running, you'll be able to relate to Alexander, and so will your favorite kids. (Ages 4 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (9)

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 definitly be a keepsake for my children someday. If you like to have books to pass on, this one's for you!

Absolutely Positively Alexander - Fantastic!
My son's name is Alexander (goes by Alex). I gave this to him as a birthday gift and we have read it over and over many times. The three short stories are just the right length for a bedtime story. This book has humor and the boy, Alexander, is one boy that all children can relate too. The illustrations are great too! I highly recommend this for any child.

Teaches Kids About Everyday Challenges......
.....that they or their friends may have to face in their young lives. In one story Alexander deals with issues surrounding moving to a new neighborhood. In another he deals with the repercussions of spending all his money. And, in the last, he deals with just a plain old bad day where nothing seems to go right. In each story Alexander feels kind of glum and is afraid that no one understands his struggle. By the end of each story though, he learns a lesson and learns his responsibility for his actions. The stories don't end on particularly happy notes, where all works out despite everything, but rather shows a given realization being reached by young Alexander: that if you spend your money frivolously, you won't 'be rich', that everyone has bad days and it's just part of life, and that sometimes we have to do things we are afraid of and that we don't want to do, such as move to a new neighborhood.

The stories are written on about a second grade reading level. Kids ages seven and eight will have little difficulty with the language or with following the story line. Honestly though, I'm not sure that kids this age will get the moral of the story on their own. They may just see the ending where Alexander doesn't get what he wants as unfulfilling until an adult explains further.

You may as well get the whole set in one book!
Judith Viorst, well known adult author and the mother of sons, uses real life frustrations for this humorous (because its so true) story line, featuring Alexander, the youngest brother in a a family with three boys.

The first book is the best - Alexander has the worst days ever in "Alexander and the Horrible No Good Very Bad Day" (the best of the stories). In "Alexander Who Used to Be Rich," he fantasizes about all you do with a dollar, while in the third book, he resists (as most kids do) the family's need to move far away.

My own sons have enjoyed these books - starting in 1972 and into the present. The stories are not dated, as any parent of a child like Alexander can tell you - every untied shoelace is a major tragedy, a move around the corner can be traumatic and 'unfair,' and a dollar can buy you just about anything when you're in that wonderful 4 to 8 year old time of life.

Parents reading the book will see the humor. Children hearing the words will feel as though they are being understood.

As kids grow up (8 to 9 is about the end of the line for this series) they'll begin to see the humor in Alexander's thoughts.

Well written, with illustrations that are well above average, these books are a wonderful addition to any family library. And as long as you are going to get one, you may as well get all three and save yourself time and money! ... Read more

Book Description

Alexander is not going to leave his best friend Paul. Or Rachel, the best babysitter in the world. Or the Baldwins, who have a terrific dog named Swoozie. Or Mr. and Mrs. Oberdorfer, who always give great treats on Halloween. Who cares if his father has a new job a thousand miles away? Alexander is not -- Do you hear him? He Means it! -- going to move.

Alexander's back, facing another of childhood's trials and tribulations with Judith Viorst's trademark humor and keen sense of what's important to kids. ... Read more

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.

His father might have a new job a thousand miles away and there might be a new house a thousand miles away but Alexander does not care. Right next door to the new house there might be a boy who is the same age of his brother Anthony and down the street there might be a boy the same age as his brother Nick, but Alexander figures that there is probably nobody for a thousand miles who is his age. He will never have a best friend like Paul again or a great sitter like Rachel. Alexander has a long, long list of favorite friends and special places that he will never have again if he moves. Therefore, he is not packing. Never. Not going to happen.

"Alexander's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move" is illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, who pointedly does so in the style of Ray Cruz, who first illustrated Alexander in print and who was unable to complete the work on this endeavor. This book might come in second to the original tale, but for any kid who has to deal with the trauma of moving (as an Air Force Brat my family moved a half-dozen times when I was growing up) this story will ring true and help put things in perspective. Final Note: I was surprised to read that Judith Viorst has three sons named Anthony, Nicholas, and Alexander. This must have made for an interesting household. I wonder what happened to Alexander when he grew up. Maybe he moved to Australia.

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.

What it does have though is a wonderfully planned out story and some good imitations of Ray Cruz's original depictions of Alexander. Again, things just aren't going Alexander's way and his imagination begins to spin ways he can keep from moving with his family. He learns his brothers and parents are much more understanding of his situation than he first thought however.

Why 4 stars?:
This book still deserves a place in your library, however it can't compare to the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Still, children will enjoy hearing another story about Alexander and if any of them have moved or are moving, they will get even something more out of this cute story.

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.

Leslie (Who liked the book) talks
I thought this book was a very good book for kids of all ages. i'm sure you would agree with me. The book talked about everyone pacjing and getting all of thier things ready for the bid move and how Alexander was being stubborn. This would be a good xmas present for someone planning on moving. This book was long enough to get the message across, but not too long.

I thought this book was funny.
This book was funny because Alexander didn't want to move, and he kept saying "I'm not-DO YOU HEAR ME? I MEAN IT!-going to move." He kept thinking of going to other people's houses and asking to stay. The pictures were funny especially when he had kisses all over his face. This book would be good for somebody who is moving. I think a third grader would enjoy this book because it is funny. ... Read more

Book Description

Alexander se dió cuenta de que iba a ser un día terrible couando se despertó y se encontró chicle en el pelo. Y aun fue peor...

Su mejor amigo lo abandonó. No ten ía postre en su bolsa del almuerzo. ¡Y para colmo, había habas verdes en la comida y besos en la televisión!

Este cuento clásico de Judith Viorst, ahora en español, será sin lugar a duda del agrado de los lectores de todas las edades, como lo ha sido hasta ahora. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

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 día 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 !
Qué dice un niño al que TODO le sale mal ? "Me voy a Australia !". Los dibujos - en blanco y negro - están espléndidamente ilustrados, la cara de Alexander es indescriptible por su picardía. Un libro para leer y ver con los hijos a la hora de dormir. Un libro alentador, especial para aquellos niños "difíciles"

Review of Alexander....
Overall, this was an excellent book. It does not differ much from the english version, and it is, as is the english, wonderfully illustrated. It is not perfect, however. I thought that it was well translated into spanish, however, the words are not as easily read and understood as the english version. Also, it was very disappointing to me that the character's names are the traditional, english names, and were not translated into their spanish cognates. That detracts from any feelings of non-ethnicity and partiality that good literature nees.

Repetition is the key to learning
Our whole family enjoys reading this book. With its repetition of the "horrible, terrible..." day, we now can all read those parts together. And when the kids have a bad day, we can refer to the book (and talk about going to Australia). It helps to make light of a bad day. ... Read more

Book Description

Rosie likes Michael when he's dopey and not just when he's smart. Michael likes Rosie when she's grouchy and not just when she's nice. That's how friends are. When Michael's parakeet died, he called Rosie. When Rosie's dog ran away, she called Michael. That's what friends do. Michael once sprayed Kool Whip into Rosie's sneakers. Rosie once put a worm in Michael's sandwich. They're still friends. And Michael says he would never have his tonsils out without Rosie. And Rosie says she would never move to China without Michael. And the reason they wouldn't is -- because they're friends. ... Read more

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!

Charming and timeless
An almost unknown, and thoroughly underappreciated, classic of children's books, which seems to scream out "Buy me for your significant other!" Curiously, it's a little graphic in some of the descriptions - buy the book and you'll probably understand what I mean - but that only makes it all the more charming. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Mother says deep down in his heart. Anthony loves me. Anthony says deep down in his heart he thinks I stink.

Anthony's younger brother puts up with a lot. Every time he wants to play with Anthony and his friends, or even go into the playroom, Anthony starts to clobber him. There's nothing he can do now...but just wait until he's six!

Judith Viorst's fine, funny story, now available in a handsome new edition, will charm readers of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

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.

My childhood favorite!
I have searched bookstores for a year looking for this book. I couldn't even remember the title, but I remember the story and wanted to read it again. I am now 32, and had it read to me often when I was little (I think when I was 6). I have a little brother 2 years younger and we both related to this book. At the time I guess I was like Anthony, even though I am female. My Mom used to encourage my brother that things would be better when he was six :-) (fat chance). "Where the wild things are" was my brother's fav and "When I'm six, i'll fix anthony" was definitely mine.

Great Book!
Man, that Anthony thinks he's so great, well as soon as... uhh, the other kid in the book turns six things are gonna change. Hoooaah, he's going to make little anthony his little white faced reeces monkey! Exlamatory baby! ... Read more

Book Description

I want them.
I need them.
I love them.
Beautiful earrings.
Glorious earrings.
What will a young girl do to get her ears pierced?
Will she walk the dog for a year?
YES!
Will she clean her room every day for a year?
YES!
Will she be nice to her brother for a year?
YES! Well, maybe for six months... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Any girl can relate
If your parents wouldn't let you get your ears pierced early on, this book will evoke identical memories.

Our narrator, a curly-haired girl of maybe 6 or 7, will do anything for pierced ears. She imagines all the "beautiful, glorious" earrings she can wear. But her parents think earrings on a young girl are "tacky" (that's what my Mom told me, too), and try to appeal to this girl's vanity with a charm bracelet, a grass skirt, and a locket. No good. She wants EARRINGS and nothing else. Every Birthday, every Christmas, she only wants earrings. She pleads. She cajoles. She tells them of all the responsible, grown up things she does (like clearing the table after dinner). She even tries to appeal to her parents common sense. "Because I would be so proud to wear them" she says,"I'd stand up straight and hold my head high- which means that they would be good for my posture (And I hear that they keep your earlobes warm in winter)." Each illustration shows her wearing HUGE dangly earrings, circa 1968 "Cher". I remember begging my Mom to let me wear her dangly sapphire earrings once she finally relented and got my ears pierced- no dice. See? Even after you get the pierced ears, you still don't get to wear the earrings of your dreams. Still, this book shows girls of all ages that they're not the only ones walking around with bald lobes. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and will read it to my daughter, age 5 (who's already talking about getting pierced ears- Oy!).

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.
I use this book when introducing persuasive writing, to my fifth graders.

Earrings a 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

Book Description

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Someone with sad underwear.

Sad underwear? How can that be?

When my best friend's mad at me,

Everything is sad.

Even my underwear.

Only Judith Viorst, with the perfect pitch for the trials of childhood that has made her Alexander books modern classics, could create an ode to melancholy unmentionables. But the title poem is just one of the many pleasures in this collection, which bursts with wit and understanding -- and the occasional poignant note.

Sure to delight readers of Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky, as well as Viorst's own legions of fans, Sad Underwear is a perfect companion volume to her celebrated If I Were In Charge of the World. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

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 discuss childhood trauma, triumphs, and concerns. Certain poems, such as "Exploring"; "What Dads Do"; "It's a Wonderful World, but They Made a Few Mistakes"; or "See the Jolly Fat Boy," speak volumes to all audiences--young children to young-at-heart adults. Sweet and poignant, the book becomes a good gift for anyone approaching any of life's passages. A good companion piece would be Viorst's IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE WORLD AND OTHER WORRIES. ... Read more

Book Description

This little boy will do anything to avoid an evening with the baby-sitter. He pleads with his parents. He begs. He bargains. Maybe he has a fever of a hundred and ten. Maybe he'll run away. Maybe he won't say good-bye! ... Read more

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 story proves that not all picture books have to be syrupy-sweet. Children see themselves in the young character who refuses to let his parents leave without a fuss. You know that old adage that "misery loves company"? Judith Viorst is the champion at depicting young children's complaints, and this selection is no exception. Share it with your young child today. ... Read more

Book Description

This resource is directly related to its literature equivalent and filled with a variety of cross-curricular lessons to do before, during, and after reading the book. This reproducible book includes sample plans, author information, vocabulary building ideas, and cross-curriculum activities. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

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

Book Description

It's hard being practically perfect and having the world's messiest younger sister. Big sister is constantly urging Sophie to be neat -- "like me, Olivia" -- but whether at home, at school, trick-or-treating on Halloween, or even at the beach, Sophie is a disaster. Still, as big brother, Jake, and their parents keep reminding Olivia, Sophie does have some redeeming qualities.

Sophie joins the legendary Alexander as super-completely and totally one of Judith Viorst's most irresistible characters ever. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Delightful Pictures, Lovable Sisters
Older sister Olivia shares stories about her incredibly messy younger sister Sophie. The tales of Sophie's misadventures are humorous, and tempered by the obvious fondness between the practically perfect Olivia and impetuous Sophie. The pictures are wonderfully drawn in black and white, with Sophie painted in vivid color. Watch for a mortified Olivia in the background of most pictures. Sophie tries to emulate her older sister, but her own individual style always comes through. And while Olivia lists her sister's faults, she does not neglect to mention her strengths and virtues as well.

Neat and Messy
Got this book just because it was a Viorst and because I love her alexander books. The first time I did read it before reading it to my daughter I was not sure how my daughter would react to the book. She has not siblings as yet and can't really categorize her into either category ( neat or messy - she is a little of both)
but loved the way sophie makes a mess of every thing and how the older sister is as hoity-toity as older sisters get.

but would have loved it more if there was more of sophie's good qualities described that way there would be a greater balance to sophie's character.

The pictures swing this book into action!
We just love the cheerful and happy illustrations that make this a really meaningful Judith Viorst book. Here, the beautiful pictures' exuberant humor, joy, and color add another dimension, almost another story, to a tale of how different 2 sisters and a brother can be. They really do embody "the genuine spirit of animation, the breathing to life, the swing into action," that Maurice Sendak says he considers "an essential quality in pictures for children's books" in "Caldecott & Co.," his book of essays on books and pictures. In fact, the pictures are so wonderful that you should look at the charming, wordless books Robin Preiss Glasser, the illustrator of "Super-Completely," has made with her sister: "You Can't Take a Balloon Into The Metropolitan Museum" and "You Can't Take a Balloon Into The National Gallery."

Sophie is Wonderful
Sophie is super-completely and totally the messiest girl that ever lived! That assessment, by Olivia, her perfectly neat big sister, just about says it all. And no matter where she is or what she's doing, be it school or parties, the beach, the farm, the circus or even the bathtub, she's a whirlwind of activity and impending disasters. But, as Olivia also tells us, she's kind and very nice, smart, funny and great at puzzles and dancing. She's one of a kind and her family loves her, just for being herself. Judith Viorst really captures the essence of an ever inquistive and busy youngster with places to go, people to see and things to do. Her wonderful hip text, told exasperatingly by older sister and neatnik, Olivia is only outdone by Robin Preiss Glasser's busy and detailed pen and ink line drawings with only Sophie and her mess highlighted in bright colors. Together, they've authored a picture book that will amuse and delight everyone in the family. Perfect for youngsters 5-9, Super-Completely and Totally the Messiest is a winner!

Satirical Put-Down of the Clumsy by the Neat
How you will rate this book depends on your personal habits.

Neat people will love it. Those who are a little clumsy and disorganized will feel hurt by it. Parents should be very careful in choosing whether or not to buy and read this book to their children. If you have a clumsy child in your household or neighborhood, avoid this book!

I graded the book down for the gratuitous put-downs aimed at those who have accidents!

Think of this book as Ms. Neat's view of Ms. Awkwardly Messy.

"My room is very neat -- like me, Olivia." The feeling of superiority begins there and becomes supercilious as the book progresses.

Her younger sibling, Sophie, gets excited and makes messes of almost everything. She is either clumsy, forgets to be careful, or is plain unlucky. Although there is token affirmation in the end ("mom says . . . Sophie's a kind and very nice person," "dad says . . . Sophie's a smart and funny person," and "Jake [her brother] says . . . Sophie's great at puzzles and dancing . . . ."), clearly the real message is that a klutz should be a butt for jokes. Come on! What kind of message is that to send to children?

Development rates vary a lot with children. Some are still a little awkward well into their teenage years, while others have wonderful small and large muscle coordination early. Children don't choose to be clumsy. They just are.

The perspective in the story could have been shifted to be Sophie's and emphasize how well she means. Then, it would have been a positive story. Having the "perfect" older sister explain her shortcomings makes it just a painful putdown.

The illustrations in the book rise well above the story. Sophie is a delighful-looking carrot-topped child with a smiling eager face in a colorful home and family. I liked her. I also liked the enthusiasm and warm heart behind her well-meaning mayhem. Maybe I feel that way because I'm Mr. Messy in our household.

Think about when intent counts and when results count with children. With children, if the intent is good, the results will eventually follow.

Is neatness always an advantage? When is it? When isn't it?

Enjoy everyone in your family, for all of their characteristics! ... Read more

Book Description

How can Nick believe his mother's telling him there aren't any monsters when she forgets what his favorite flavor of ice cream is? Or when she makes him wear boots and it doesn't even rain?

Well, sometimes Mamas do make mistakes...but sometimes they don't.

Judith Viorst's appealing text combines with Kay Chorao's wickedly evocative drawings in this all-new edition of a favorite book. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

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!
I still to this day admire my mom's strength that I began to imitate since this book showed me that women, even single mamas who aren't always perfect, can be fearless and strong! I would never have done all of the good things in my life if I hadn't stood up to the 'monsters' of the world. College, travel and love are all scary things to enter, but SO worth the effort and THAT is what this book is about to me!
Thanks Mom.
Love Kassimo.

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".

Great Kid's Book
Sure, some of the illustrations scared me as a kid, but I loved it all the same. I used to beg my mom to read it to me all the time. Sadly, I got rid of it a while ago, and pretty soon I missed it dearly. I bought a new copy of it just today and couldn't be happier. I'm so glad to have found it still in print. This book is indespensible, no matter what...

I LOVE THIS BOOOK!
This book was one of my all time favorites...I could not remember the name of it only that moms arent always right...and the imagery has stayed with me for some 20 years!

Classic Memories
Now that my children are grown, I rarely find myself discussing children's books, but I just did. I was speaking to a young mother about children's books and "MY Mama Says" came to mind as one of the few books I never gave away. I wanted to be sure to have it for my grandchildren.

All three of my children loved the story and remember it to this day. Not only is it cute and well illustrated, but it was SHORT. It often allowed me to keep my promise to read to my children every night. Whenever I had to go out or tend to a new baby, "My Mama Says" would be a welcome tale.

I totally disagree with the reviewer that warned about this book producing fears. Most of the monsters are smiling!

Now that I am preparing my library for grandchildren, I am so happy to find this book still in print. I can't wait to enjoy it the second time around....Bravo Judith. ... Read more

Book Description

It's Sunday morning, very early Sunday morning. Anthony and Nicholas are not supposed to wake their parents before 9:45 am. (Whenever that is.) Certainly, three puzzles falling off a shelf isn't enough to wake them. And what about some music or a game of boat in the living room?These wouldn't wake them up, would they?

But when Nick really yells help, the know they're in trouble.Then the boys and their parents discover something they never would have imagined. ... Read more

Book Description

In The Alphabet from Z to A (With Much Confusion on the Way), Judith Viorst once again applies her clear-sighted wit to a subject of universal appeal, turning the traditional alphabet book on its head by going through the alphabet backwards. Viorst's lively verse irreverently demonstrates that the spellings and sounds of our language are often so maddeningly inconsistent -- "blue" and "blew," "chute" and "shoe" -- that, as her exasperated narrator complains, "It could drive you berserk." Aimed at children who already have some facility with language (and at anyone else who likes to play with words), The Alphabet from Z to A is an entertaining and thought-provoking romp through the quirks and quagmires of the English language. Richard Hull's exquisite drawings enrich the text and offer a playful challenge. ... Read more

Book Description

Cuando Alexander se siente triste o enojado, le dan ganas de mudarse a Australia. Pero, por lo general le gusta donde está. Así que cuando sus padres le dicen que la familia se va a mudar a mil millas, Alexander decide que él no va a ir. Nunca. Jamás. De ninguna manera. Ni hablar. N.O. ¿Cómo puede decirles adió:s a su mejor amigo y a su niñera favorita y a la Tintorería Seymour? Prefiere quedarse a vivir en una casita en un áabol or quizá en una cueva. Y aunque Nick le dice cretino y Anthony le dice que es inmaduro, Alexander está decidido: "de ninguna manera -- ¿me oyen? -- ¡lo digo en serio! -- me voy a mudar." ... Read more

Book Description

El domingo pasado, los abuelitos de Alexander le dieron un dólar. ¡Era rico! ¡Había tantas cosas que podí hacer con todo ese dinero!

Podí comprarse todos los chicles que deseaba, o quizá un radiotrsmisor, si ahorrara suficiente dinero. Pero, de alguna manera, el dinero empezó a desaparecer...

Esta edició en español de uno de los libros más populares de Jusith Viorst encantará a los lectores de todas las edades. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

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.

Alexander would really like to buy a walkie-talkie, but saving money is pretty hard for somebody his age. As we read this story, illustrated by Ray Cruz, we see how Alexander manages to end up with only bus tokens. I was going to say they would see what Alexander spends his money on, but spending implies getting something in return for your money and while that might apply to buying bubble gum and renting a snake, it does not apply to losing bets or being fined so saying words that little boys should not say. But then the point of Viorst's story is to make the idea of money management clear to young readers and the ways in which Alexander goes from being rich to being poor certainly drives home that particular lesson. As Alexander comes to realize, if you are absolutely positively going to save your money you have to get some money to save.

This book is not as charming as Alexander's original adventure, but then not many children's books rise to that level. However, for parents who have young children whose money is constantly burning a hole in their pockets, "Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday" could be a gentle way of making the point they have probably already made repeatedly. However, parents will almost certainly have to buy this book themselves, because even if this book is not as expensive as a walkie-talkie, it almost certainly will be beyond the current economic capacity of the kids who would most profit from reading it.

Alexander, who used to be rich last Sunday
Alexander,who used to be rich last Sunday is a funny book.It's a little longer then most books.It's for children between ages 6-10 years old.The book is about a boy who has money one week.He gets it from his grandparents and parents. Then goes off one day and buys bubblegum.On the way home he makes a bet.He ends up losing an loses more money.He spends his money on garage sales.But still needs more money.It shows it's better to save your money for something your really want.Then to just spend it on little small things your don't need.But just feeling like buying.

Not a first choice
It was a good book, but a bit lengthy. It is hard to keep a classroom full of 30 children's attention with this book. i would not recommend putting this as an adaption to a lesson. ... Read more