The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids

by Barbara Robinson

Book Overview

America's favorite Christmas book by Barbara Robinson is now a major motion picture Lionsgate is releasing a live action movie version of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on November 8, 2024, directed by Dallas Jenkins of The Chosen and featuring actors Judy Greer, Lauren Graham, Elizabeth Tabish, and Pete Holmes, coming to a theater near you

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, and swear. 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 has ever heard the Christmas story before. Their interpretation of the tale--the Wise Men are a bunch of dirty spies--has a lot of people up in arms. And their wild antics cause havoc throughout the play's production. But the actual pageant is full of surprises for everyone, starting with the Herdmans themselves, as they ultimately lead the town in finding the true meaning of Christmas. They will make this year's pageant the most unusual anyone has seen and, just possibly, the best one ever.

Barbara Robinson's popular and bestselling tale of the rowdy Herdmans has been beloved and celebrated since the book's original release in 1972. Read the book again before you see the movie

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0099QAR1S
• ISBN13: 9780064402750
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.2" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

This book was received in terrible ripped / torn / written over & was being replaced with a book of

See above

Not "Very Good"

This review is based solely on the condition of the book that was received. I ordered one that was in "very good" condition but a majority of the pages are stained and the cover is in bad condition.

Not the best quality

Unfortunately the book had words completely scribbled out, making the book hard to read. Definitely not in “good” condition

A modern kids' classic, and only 80 pages!

This little yuletide novella is a joy to read, and just as funny as when it was first published fifty years ago. The narrator is a preadolescent boy whose mother has just been given the unenviable task of directing the local church's Christmas pageant. Chief among her fears are the fearsome Herdman children, who smoke cigars, curse, slug each other, purloin church equipment, and generally make themselves obnoxious. How this turns out is best left to the reading of this clever classic. Very highly recommended.

What a wonderful, delightful suprise!

I originally purchased this book to give to one of my grandchildren later on this year but, I've got to tell you, any and all adults need to sit down and read this! I mean that with all my heart. I laughed so much because it reminded me of our "meeting" with similar children in both North Dakota and Colorado! Wow! Wonderful easy read and please, if you purchase this for a child, either read it first or read it with the child. It's that good!

Must read for the holidays--for children, adults, and all grinches

Without a doubt the most beautiful modern Christmas tale. The Herdman children are a nightmare for everyone else, but by golly, they get the Christmas spirit. Deeply moving (yes, there were tears--mine) and incredibly funny, this behind the scenes take on a children's Christmas pageant delivers on actual joy and peace on earth, courtesy of the school bullies, who have may have found their light.

a great favorite in our family, I had lost my copy, wanted another

a great favorite in our family, I had lost my copy, wanted another

The Best Christmas Book Ever

Here's a simple, enchanting tale. It's warm and funny and thoroughly unpredictable. It's published in a short and skinny book in large type and, assuming you can tear yourself away from the story, it can be read in small spurts.The Herdmans are absolutely and without question the worst kids "in the entire history of the world." They are guilty of evey unmentionable childhood crime and have thought of more than a few original ones. When they take over the church Christmas pageant (although none of them has ever attended church, much less heard the Christmas story before), the first Christmas becomes new and real in some pretty surprising ways.Nevermind that the publishers call this a children's story. It isn't. The vision it has to offer is hilarious yet deeply touching in a profound yet innocent way. Stock up on copies for Christmas gifts to teachers and friends. I'd give one to the friend who wails that Christmas has become too commercial or to the harried mother of a lively brood or to someone who dreads the holiday. And keep one for yourself because it's almost as much fun each time you read it.Merry Christmas!

One of the great joys of motherhood--

is the opportunity to revisit your childhood. First, Dr. Suess, then The Saggy Baggy Elephant, and now the Herdmans.I have loved reading since I was five years old. One of my most important goals is to pass that love of books on to my two daughters. I'm no expert, but sharing books that make me happy with them seems to be a good way to start.The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a story about THOSE kids. You know--the ones you avoid sitting next to at Pizza Hut. The ones who show up at church once or twice a quarter, when someone brings them. The ones you feel sorry for but secretly compare to your own kids to make yourself feel good about how well-mannered, smart, attractive your kids are.THOSE kids, the Herdmans, show us that Christmas isn't just about our own families and our safe, secure homes, but about THOSE kids--the unwanted, nasty, obnoxious, dirty kids with whom we don't want our kids associating.The point of the story is that we should open our eyes and see them as Jesus saw the little children and open our heart to love even the barely lovable.This story is one that will grow with your children. As they mature, you can help them get more and more out of this story. It's definitely a repeat from one holiday season to the next. I would recommend getting the hardback version so that it will last longer.

The best children's book I've ever read!

I didn't read this book until I was 32 years old and it made my day! I laughed so hard that I thought that I was going to hurt something. I loved the Herdmans because I grew up with a lot of kids like them. I now know why this is a classic that will continue on long after I'm gone. Ms. Robinson did a fantastic job of incorperating humor in many, many poignant moments. I laughed reading every page until the last two or three when the tears came. You couldn't help but be deeply touched by how, for a few brief moment, the Herdmans cleaned up their act to tell the wonderful story of Christmas in their own special way. I had the opportunity to spend a day with Ms. Robinson last year and let me tell you all, it was the experience of a lifetime. She's a fantastic lady who is absolutely incredible with children.

Great fun for all ages!

My Dad and his wife sent my family this book for Christmas one year, and I read it at bedtime to my 7 year old son and 9 year old daughter. Although we were only going to read a chapter every night, they begged me to keep reading, and I didn't want to stop, either. The Herdman children give us a fresh perspective on the traditional Christmas story, and show us that anyone can be touched by the true meaning of Christmas. A story that young and old can relate to, it made us all laugh and some of us cry. I plan to read this book every year,out loud. A wonderful, touching story. Only one word of warning - there are a handful of "naughty" words in this story, since the Herdman children are a bit rude. You can substitute something more suitable as you read to children, but don't pass by this great story because of it.