Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day: questions to ask and activities to try
Everything goes wrong for Alexander, from breakfast to bedtime. This much-loved classic tells children that bad days happen to everyone, and that they end.
What age is it for? Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is best for ages 4–8. Good for: A day where nothing goes right, and feeling that life is unfair.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- A day where nothing goes right, and feeling that life is unfair
Read it after a tricky day, once everyone has calmed down. Laugh at the worst bits together. The ending matters: his mum says some days are like that, even in Australia.
What it helps with
- Days where nothing goes to plan
- Feeling that life is unfair
- Learning that bad days happen to everyone, even grown-ups
- Finding a little humour in a rotten day
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What went wrong first for Alexander?”
- “Which part of his day would you hate most?”
- “Why did Alexander want to go to Australia?”
- “Would things really be better in Australia?”
- “What do you do when you’re having a bad day?”
- “What could make a bad day a tiny bit better?”
5-minute activities to try together
Rubbish and OK
At bedtime, take turns sharing one rubbish thing and one OK thing about today. Finish by saying “Tomorrow is a new day.”
Bad day kit
Make a small list of things that help on a bad day, like a hug, a favourite song or a quiet corner. Keep it somewhere easy to find.
Free printables: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Grumpy Monkey (Suzanne Lang and Max Lang)
- Best for
- Grumpy moods that don't have a clear reason
- Age
- 3-7
When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… (Molly Bang)
- Best for
- Explosive anger, and calming down afterwards
- Age
- 3-7
The Rabbit Listened (Cori Doerrfeld)
- Best for
- Sitting with difficult feelings
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.