The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

 



 

BY BARBARA ROBINSON

 

 

 

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, swear, and hit little kids. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant.

None of the Herdmans had ever heard the Christmas story before. Their interpretation of the tale-- the Wise Men are a bunch of dirty spies and Herod needs a good beating-- has a lot of people up in arms. But it will make this year's pageant the most unusual anyone has seen, and just possibly, the best one ever.

 

 

Author: Barbara Robinson

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1972

Genre: Juvenile Comedy-- age level 8 and up, grade level 3 and up

 

 

"One of the best Christmas books ever!"-- Publisher's Weekly

 

 

About the author

Barbara Robinson grew up in the small town of Portsmouth, Ohio.  In addition to her many children's books, Robinson has published many short stories in publications such as McCall's and Ladies Home Journal, and has written books of poetry.

 

 

 

My thoughts:

What a fantastic book! I overheard a group of ladies talking about it one day and decided to purchase it for my Nook. We sat down as a family, and I read aloud. I cannot tell you how many times we all laughed. No matter how old you are you can connect with the characters in this book. All of us have known a group of kids like the Herdmans. We've all been picked on by kids like the Herdmans. Let's be honest-- some of us have been the Herdmans.   :) 

My two oldest boys (ages 8 and 10) made an effort on their own to get their chores/homework/showers done early so they'd have time before bed for me to read this story to them. Trust me, that speaks volumes for this author! My husband even enjoyed it. How wonderful it was to turn off the TV, gather as a family, and laugh together.

 

 

Ending Note:

Though the antics in this story are humorous, and you'll want to give the Herdmans a good spanking, the truth within this story will touch your heart. Discover what children like the Herdmans are really searching for, and may we all be more tolerable, loving, and understanding of children like them.