Today is Judith Viorst's birthday and of course at school we had to visit her books about Alexander and his brothers. Despite what the children say about the lack of colour in the illustrations, once they have heard the stories they are fans. Alexander's Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day is of course their favourite and you see and hear the younger children having fun saying the repeating refrain over and over again. It has always fascinated me how the American version of the book has Alexander saying 'I think I'll move to Australia' whereas ours has him going to 'Timbuctoo'. Do the American readers think he is going to a 'bad' place or just somewhere a long way away?
Secondly The Tenth Good Thing About Barney is still the best book for when a child's pet dies, especially a cat. It is soothing, reassuring and proactive all at once.
Next you have to read some Judith Viorst poetry. Like her books they are about everyday family events, pertinent yet often humorous. If you don't know them, seek out If I Were In Charge of the World and have a good giggle. Keep The Lizzie Pitofsky Poem to share with a class on Valentine's Day.
Judith Viorst stories and poems certainly make good therapy!
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