Storybooks logo

Storybooks is now on the app store! Apple App Store Badge Google Play Store Badge

James and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Once there was a little boy named James. He had dark hair and dark eyes.

Introduction to Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing, a boy with dark features, in his bedroom.

When James was good, he was very, very good. He shared his toys and smiled.

Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing behaving well, sharing and smiling with friends.

But when he was bad, he was just dreadful! His frown turned down like a moon.

Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing misbehaving, frowning, alone in a corner.

One morning, James woke up feeling quite grumpy and didn’t want to get dressed.

Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing grumpy in his pajamas, not wanting to change clothes.

At breakfast, his sister got the last of his favorite cereal. James was mad!

Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing's sister eating cereal; Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing is angry at the breakfast table.

He didn't say please or thank you, and he forgot to brush his hair.

Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing leaving for school without manners or grooming.

In school, when things didn't go his way, he kicked the desk and sulked.

Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing upset at school, kicking an object in frustration.

But then his teacher sat next to him and asked him why he was so upset.

Teacher concerned, sitting with Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing, trying to understand.

James told his teacher about his morning. She listened and nodded understandingly.

A confessional moment between Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing and his teacher.

She suggested that everyone has bad days, but it's important to try our best.

Teacher imparting wisdom to Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing about life's ups and downs.

James thought about that and decided to apologize to his friends and sister.

Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing reflecting on his behavior, planning to make amends.

At the end of the day, James felt better. He understood that it’s okay to make mistakes.

Little boy, dark hair, dark eyes, wears bright clothing smiling, reconciliation with sister and friends.

Reflection Questions

  • How do you think James felt when things didn't go his way?
  • What could James have done differently after waking up grumpy?
  • Why is it important to apologize when we’ve made a mistake?

Read Another Story