Alexander, who used to be rich last Sunday
(Book)

Raymond Cruz was born in New York City in 1933 to Ramon and Rosaline Cruz. He grew up in Spanish Harlem and began drawing at age five. After studying at the High School of Art and Design in New York City and at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, Cruz graduated from Cooper Union, majoring in fine and graphic arts. He worked in many areas of art and design, including textile and wallpaper design, and he created advertising illustrations, fashion illustrations, and cosmetic package designs for New York City advertising agencies. As a children's book illustrator, Cruz found remarkable success. He illustrated more than twenty books, none more popular than Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, the story of a crabby little boy who has a series of misadventures. The success of the original Alexander book inspired several sequels, all illustrated by Cruz. Cruz lived in New York City until his death.

Although Alexander and his money are quickly parted, he comes to realize all the things that can be done with a dollar.