ALEXANDER, WHO'S TRYING HIS BEST TO BE THE BEST BOY EVER

Alexander eats an entire box of doughnuts and hides the empty box in almost plain sight.

Alexander, of the beloved Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good, Very Bad Day (1972), is back, and he’s as clueless as ever, with grandiose plans that always seem to end in disaster. He must now face the consequences of his latest escapade. He’s banned from playing video games or watching TV, and he’s left out of a family outing. He hates consequences. To avoid further punishments, he announces that he will never get in trouble again and that he will be good forever. Although he keeps getting great ideas, he manages, barely, to hold on and keep his promise. Of course this cannot go on for long, and his attempts at exemplary behavior are doomed as he careens from one hilarious mess to another and finally gives in to temptation. Alexander narrates his own tale of woe in an illogical, impish and delightful stream of consciousness. Although in his case, it is more apt to be unconsciousness. Viorst totally understands how little boys think and react and keeps Alexander fresh and appealing. Monés’ fine-lined, black-and-white illustrations pay homage to Ray Cruz’s style from the original work, but they have their own liveliness and charm.

Welcome back, Alexander.