ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY And Other Stories and Poems

Few authors empathize with elementary-aged kids with the humor and insight of Judith Viorst. In this collection of stories and poems, the angst of Alexander's money blues and never-go-right days, the steadfastness of friendship, the profound loss and family caring when a pet dies, and the power of poetry to explore this emotional range make a fine listening package. Blythe Danner whines (with a New York twang) at disappointment and injustice, worries when a mother's words prove untrue, and gently reflects the initial sadness of death. Her vocal repertoire of emotions is as broad as Viorst's. In the selected poems, especially, the wide range of the characters' feelings shines through. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]