Viorst's fans will recognize the format of this humorous slice of family life. Alexander insists that under no circumstances will he be induced to move, but as the big day draws inexorably closer, he resigns himself to the inevitable, though he firmly insists that he will never move again. The sense of a continuing family saga is intensified by the illustrations, rendered in the style of Ray Cruz.

Having neither aged nor mellowed since his Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (1972), Alexander digs in his heels as the rest of the family packs up to move. Taking him as seriously as he apparently takes himself, his parents suggest he pay last visits to favorite people and places, so off he stomps, loudly declaring his intention to stay. Glasser is a skilled copyist; the black-and- white drawings, stated on the cover to be rendered ``in the style of Ray Cruz'' (he illustrated the first book), modernize clothing but leave furniture, family, and toys in a time warp. The resolution doesn't break new ground either; going-away presents, the promise of a puppy, and the prospect of a room of his own buy Alexander's consent. For Viorst, that's just treading water. (Picture book. 5-7)"

PreS-Gr 3--Alexander is back. This time he refuses to move 1000 miles away from his best friend, his soccer team, and the cleaners that saves gum wrappers and old teeth if he leaves them in his pockets. He is sure he can stay, perhaps with the family that has six girls and needs a boy, or with the older couple that has a dog. As friends give Alexander going-away presents and his parents suggest that he might be able to call long distance on occasion and maybe even get a dog, he begins to pack. This Alexander shows a different emotion from the angry child in ...the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good Very Bad Day (1972), or the sad one ...Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday (1978, both Atheneum). This defiant Alexander is positively not going to move, ``No Way. Uh uh. N.O.'' Pen-and-ink drawings in the style of Ray Cruz's work bond readers to this new Alexander while adding to the story. Youngsters will enjoy the range of feelings here. They will relate to the older brothers' teasing even as they laugh at the humor, will heartily support Alexander's rebellion against his parents, and will also appreciate the adults for letting him come around on his own terms. A terrific read-aloud and a must-buy for every collection.--Betty Teague, Blythe Elementary School, Greenville SC