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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever  By  cover art

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

By: Barbara Robinson
Narrated by: Elaine Stritch
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Publisher's summary

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 has 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.

©1972 Barbara Robinson (P)1995 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

"One of the best Christmas books ever." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Don't miss this hilarious and touching book." ( The Boston Globe)

What listeners say about The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Average customer ratings
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A Christmas Tradition

Great for all ages. We listen to this every year at Christmas. Elaine Stritch is the best narrator for this story.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
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The best book ever

Stays funny and gets better every year. A holiday favorite, especially this reader! Recommend for kids of all ages.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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this is my favorite version of this story

I absolutely love how well the narrator knows the story and how well she tells it.

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It is awesome👍!

I loved it. I think that the plot was really funny and good. all in all awsome

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Classic read by Top Notch Actress

my six year old daughter loves this story as much as I did at her age. this story is amusing for adults as well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Elaine Stritch is the BEST narrator!

Listening or reading to “The Best/Worst Christmas Pageant Ever” is a Christmas season tradition in our house. We find new things laugh about every year.

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  • B
  • 12-08-23

The sweetness of the story

I liked everything about this sweet story, the Herdmans, and I enjoyed the reading and overall character development in the book

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Listen

The second I heard that voice, I knew it was Elaine Stritch. I’m looking forward to the movie in November!

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Adorable

I love the story. It's hilarious and yet heartwarming. Everyone knows kids like the Herdmans, and the way the narrator tells it, you can't help but laugh. An adorable, quick listen.

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Story that Stays with you

I remember my second grade teacher reading this book to the class, and I was so excited to share it with my kids. 25 years later and the Herman's still have a way of making Christmas special.

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2 people found this helpful