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Judith Viorst is an award-winning journalist and author of many books for children as well as adults. Her beloved children's book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day has sold 2 million copies and was inspired by Judith's own son Alexander. The book also features Judith's sons, Nick and Anthony. The success led to other books in the series and musical theatre productions. Judith teamed up with composer, Shelly Markham. Both Judith and Shelly shared stories about how inspiring their creative partnership has been. Judith writes the lyrics and Shelly composes the music (listen to the songs below). They are both eager and planning to begin working together on a new musical theatre production based on an upcoming children’s book.
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Judith has written several books for adults, including Necessary Losses, which was on The New York Times best-seller list for 2 years. In the following audio excerpts, Judith speaks candidly about her amazing journey, beginning with her childhood through the present. It was a great pleasure to speak Judith Viorst. She is warm, intelligent, insightful and humorous. “I’m a big believer in reading to your sons until they have mustaches and your daughters until they start thinking about their first date. Long after they can read themselves I think you can find books that the family can sit around and be willing to sit still for a reading.” Judith Viorst. |
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Judith talks about the most important books she read as a young girl and how it shaped her path as an author |
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Judith describes her writing journey from a young girl through the present |
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Judith is invited to write her first children’s book after being interviewed on television by Barbara Walters |
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How Judith approaches her daily writing |
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The challenges of writing children’s books |
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Judith’s son Alexander does not want his name in the book! |
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Alexander becomes a musical |
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“Tears and struggle lead to laughter” |
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The New York Times best-seller, Necessary Losses |
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What is Happiness? |
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Judith talks about what else she hopes to accomplish |
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Lady Lady |
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It’s a Wonderful World but they Made a Few Mistakes |
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Judith expresses deep appreciation to her husband, political writer Milton Viorst. |
Songs from the Musical: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very
Bad Day
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If I Were in Charge of the World |
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The Sweetest of Nights and the Finest of Days |
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Mother Doesn't Want A Dog |
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Lady Lady |
Click here to read about DJ Bookworm's favorite book by Judith Viorst and to watch the video, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.