The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson // Book Review

Length: 128 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (April 12, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0064402754
Genre: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Humor, Holiday
Buy On: Amazon

SYNOPSIS:

Laughs abound in this bestselling Christmas classic by Barbara Robinson! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the outrageous shenanigans of the Herdman siblings, or “the worst kids in the history of the world.” The siblings take over the annual Christmas pageant in a hilarious yet heartwarming tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds, and six rowdy kids.

Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman are an awful bunch. They set fire to Fred Shoemaker’s toolshed, blackmailed Wanda Pierce to get her charm bracelet, and smacked Alice Wendelken across the head. And that’s just the start! When the Herdmans show up at church for the free snacks and suddenly take over the Christmas pageant, the other kids are shocked. It’s obvious that they’re up to no good. But Christmas magic is all around and the Herdmans, who have never heard the Christmas story before, start to reimagine it in their own way.

This year’s pageant is definitely like no other, but maybe that’s exactly what makes it so special.

MY REVIEW:

I would have to say that this is the most humorous holiday book I have ever read. It kept me laughing the whole time!

It’s a children’s chapter book, but I think the story is wonderful for all ages. A lot of us grew up being taught about Christmas and the birth of Jesus- but what about those who know nothing about it?

The Herdman kids were trouble makers who never set foot in a church–until they heard that Sunday school served snacks. Eventually they hear about the Christmas pageant that the church puts on every year–the play that shows the story of the night Jesus was born–and of course decide to sign up and take over all the lead roles. From Mary being portrayed by a rough-and-tumble teen, to the wise men bringing ham as a gift for Jesus instead of spices, the Herdmans paint a whole other picture on this famous story. The Herdmans have never heard the story of Jesus’ birth before, yet their perspective of what could have, and in their opinion, should have happened shed new light on the Christmas story. Their innocence, to this well known Bible story is a great picture of the whole purpose of Jesus’ life on Earth.

It is a good reminder that we often lose Christmas in the busy traditions. Just as the Christmas Pageant was messy and anything but ordinary so was the first Christmas so long ago.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a great book tradition to start. Bring this humorous–yet beautiful story into your home an learn a new perspective on the Christmas story–through the eyes of children.

Barbara Robinson weaves a beautifully-written story in her book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Even though it is a humorous story, it subtly redirects you to think and reconsider the amazing truth that Jesus really did choose to enter earth as a baby. This book is worth reading over and over.