Summary
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, published in 1972, has become a beloved children's classic. This humorous and heartwarming tale follows the misadventures of the notorious Herdman siblings as they unexpectedly take over their town's annual Christmas pageant. While offering an unconventional perspective on the traditional Nativity story, the book explores themes of acceptance, redemption, and the true meaning of Christmas.
The enduring appeal of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever has led to numerous adaptations, including a successful stage play and a widely acclaimed 1983 television movie, starring Loretta Swit and a young Fairuza Balk. More recently, plans for a feature-length film adaptation have been announced, with filming beginning in late 2023 under the direction of Dallas Jenkins, creator of the TV series The Chosen.
Plot
In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the small town's annual Christmas pageant is turned upside down when the notorious Herdman siblings decide to participate. Known as “the worst kids in the history of the world,” Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman are a rowdy bunch with a reputation for causing trouble. They show up at Sunday school for the free snacks and end up volunteering for all the lead roles in the pageant, much to everyone's dismay.
The story is narrated by Beth Bradley, whose mother reluctantly becomes the pageant director. As the Herdmans have bullied the usual participants into silence, Beth's mother has no choice but to cast them in the main roles. The siblings, who have never heard the Christmas story before, begin to take an unexpected interest in the nativity narrative. Their unconventional approach forces Beth, her family, and the entire town to reconsider the familiar tale from a fresh perspective.
As preparations for the pageant continue, the townspeople brace themselves for what they expect to be a disaster. The Herdmans' interpretation of the story leads to some unusual choices, such as bringing a ham as a gift for baby Jesus instead of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their lack of familiarity with the traditional pageant format actually results in a more authentic portrayal of the nativity scene, with the children behaving more like the real participants might have more than two thousand years ago.
On the night of the performance, the audience is stunned to witness what turns out to be the most memorable and moving Christmas pageant the town has ever seen. The Herdmans' genuine emotions and unconventional approach breathe new life into the familiar story. The pageant culminates in a powerful moment when Imogene, playing Mary, is seen weeping softly while cradling the doll representing baby Jesus. This unexpected display of tenderness from the usually rough-and-tumble girl leaves a lasting impression on the entire community.
Themes
Transformation through understanding
Challenging preconceptions and stereotypes
The power of inclusion and acceptance
Rediscovering the true meaning of Christmas
The impact of fresh perspectives on tradition
Overcoming prejudice and fear
The unexpected nature of redemption
Setting
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is set in a small, unnamed American town. While the year is not specified, the book's original publication date of 1972 and its cultural references suggest the late 1960s or early 1970s. This era was characterized by changing social norms and a growing awareness of socioeconomic disparities, themes that are subtly reflected in the story's treatment of the Herdman family.
The primary locations in the novel include the local church, where much of the action takes place, and the elementary school attended by the Herdman children and their peers. The church serves as the central hub for community activities, including the annual Christmas pageant that forms the crux of the plot. Other significant settings include the Bradley family's home, where the narrator Beth lives, and various locations around town that illustrate the Herdmans' notorious reputation.
The close-knit community, where everyone knows each other's business, provides a stark contrast to the Herdman family's outsider status. This juxtaposition of small-town values against the reality of poverty and neglect experienced by the Herdmans adds depth to the novel's exploration of compassion and the true meaning of Christmas.
Characters
Beth Bradley: The narrator. She is a young girl who provides insight into the events surrounding the Christmas pageant. Beth is observant, thoughtful, and often amused by the Herdmans' antics. Her perspective allows readers to see how the town's attitude towards the Herdmans changes over time.
Imogene Herdman: The oldest Herdman girl who plays Mary in the pageant. Initially rough and intimidating, Imogene undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story. She becomes deeply invested in her role as Mary, showing unexpected tenderness and emotion by the end of the pageant. Imogene's character arc is central to the book's themes of redemption and the true meaning of Christmas.
Ralph Herdman: The oldest Herdman boy who plays Joseph. Ralph is known for his tough exterior and troublemaking tendencies. He takes his role in the pageant seriously, albeit in his own unique way. Ralph's interpretation of Joseph adds an element of realism to the nativity story.
Mrs. Bradley: Beth's mother and the director of the Christmas pageant. She faces the challenge of managing the Herdmans while trying to put on a successful pageant. Mrs. Bradley shows patience and understanding, ultimately helping to bring out the best in the Herdman children.
Claude, Leroy, and Ollie Herdman: The three Herdman boys who play the Wise Men. They bring a ham as a gift instead of the traditional gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their unconventional approach adds humor and a fresh perspective to the nativity story.
Gladys Herdman: The youngest Herdman who plays the Angel of the Lord. Gladys brings an unexpected intensity to her role, terrifying the other children but ultimately making the angelic appearance more impactful.
Alice Wendelken: A classmate of Beth who typically plays Mary in the pageant. She is upset when Imogene takes her role. Alice represents the traditional, well-behaved children in contrast to the Herdmans.
Reverend Hopkins: The pastor of the church where the pageant is held. He is initially skeptical about the Herdmans' involvement but comes to appreciate their unique contribution.
Quick facts
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever began as a short story in McCall's magazine before being expanded into a book.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever has sold over 800,000 copies since its publication in 1972.
The book features six main characters, all siblings—Imogene, Ralph, Claude, Leroy, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman.
The story is narrated from the perspective of Beth Bradley, daughter of the pageant director.
The book explores themes of redemption, community, and the true meaning of Christmas
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is known by a different title, The Worst Kids in the World, in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was adapted into a play by the author, first performed in 1981 in West Chester, PA.
In 1983, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was made into an ABC-TV movie, starring Loretta Swit and a young Fairuza Balk.
The book inspired two sequels, The Best Halloween Ever and The Best School Year Ever
A new feature film adaptation was announced in 2023, directed by Dallas Jenkins of The Chosen fame.
About the Author
Barbara Robinson (1927-2013) was an American author best known for her children's books. Her most famous work, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, was published in 1972 and became a beloved children's classic. The book inspired two sequels, The Best School Year Ever (1994) and The Best Halloween Ever (2004).
Growing up in a small river town in Ohio, Robinson credited her deep love for reading and literature to her mother, a schoolteacher for nearly five decades. She began writing at an early age, penning poems, plays, and stories throughout her childhood. She pursued her interests in literature and theater at Allegheny College, where she earned her bachelor's degree. Her career as a writer spanned various formats, including short stories for popular magazines such as McCall's and Ladies' Home Journal, as well as plays and poetry. Her writing often drew from her small-town upbringing, featuring relatable characters and situations that resonated with readers.
Robinson spent most of her adult life in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, where she continued to write until her passing at the age of 85. She left behind a legacy of captivating stories that continue to entertain and inspire young readers. Her work remains celebrated for its humor, warmth, and authentic portrayal of childhood experiences.
