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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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Short, sweet & light

If you're needing a short & sweet book this is it. Great for the Christmas season!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Funny

My daughter thought it was funny. She loved the whole book. Her favorite part was when the Herdmans brought the cat to school.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Love all 3

Love all 3 of these and wish there were more! Narrator is fantastic and just right.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved the narration of this story

Loved the narration of this story. I’ve read this story many times since I first heard it in school as a child and it just seems to come alive with this narrator.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Awesome read for a classroom!!!

A must for any class!!! This book is a great way to study characterization and differing cultures around Christmastime. The Herdmans are so terrible, they are lovable. I agree that the recording is a little fuzzy at times, but if you are following along with a book, it is quite easy to understand. Overall a great buy! Happy listening!!!
P.S. This is NOT an abridged version; it is complete in its entirety.

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8 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Funny and safe for kids👍

Funny, sweet, and genius this book is all of those things and much more😜 safe for kids but great for adults to oh and lots of laughs 🤑👊🏼💕😍

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Narrator gets a bad wrap, but we love it.

This book has been a classic since my childhood. I bought the audiobook so I could listen with my kids during our morning commute. The story is still poignant, thoughtful, and hilarious. The narrator really evokes the spirit of the characters and we actually loved her somewhat gravely voice. Give it a chance, despite the other bad reviews and you may also enjoy this timeless story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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My favorite Christmas book!

I read this one out loud to my kids every year for a decade or so. I reread it every Christmas and this year I found it on audible.

At least than 2 hours, it can hold a child’s attention for a car ride.

Everyone should meet the Herdmans!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fix your tone settings

I agree with previous reviewers that the sound is off at first. Once I adjusted the tones, it sounded so much better!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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I think it was the best thing I ever heard 😂

I LOVE IT!! and you can always call you tomorrow morning to get the kids to the park and ride at the end of the

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1 person found this helpful