The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
by Barbara Robinson

Synopsis

Originally published in 1972 Barbara Robinson's "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" continues to be a must-read book for Christmas. The Herdmans--the dirty, smoking, swearing, lying Herdmans who never heard about Mary and Joseph--those Herdmans have starring roles in the annual Christmas pageant. The result is funny, poignant, outrageous, and wonderful.

Description

This is a seven-chapter, 107-page book that grabs the reader emotionally from the first page. The Herdmans the outsiders, the unacceptable to the church community. But, they show up for Sunday School (to get the candy) and volunteer for all the major roles in the Sunday School Christmas pageant. The book tells the story of the rehearsals, dress rehearsal, and performance of the pageant. Beyond the humor and delightful character representations, this story could be a modern day parable to ponder. Barbara Robinson's Christmas classic is particularly appropriate for grades 4 - 6.

Why I chose this book

I have enjoyed this story since I first read it in 1995. When I discovered it was available from HarperCollins, I just had to add the book to my web site inventory. This is a really funny story that also pulls at the heart strings. I found myself thinking of other "Herdmans" that might be hoping, wishing to be Mary or Joseph in a church Christmas pageant in my hometown.

What others say:

"One of the best Christmas books ever." -- Publishers Weekly

"the book is outrageous, lively, funny, and wonderful. The Christmas story takes on a strangely moving depth of meaning and shines through with a new brilliance." -- Denver Post