The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
By: Barbara Robinson
My Rating: FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
Best for: All Ages. Read independently 12 and up.

The perfect Christmas story doesn’t exist…oh, wait….

Ahhh, Christmas books! Part of the holidays for me is bringing out my beloved Christmas stories and re-reading them–sometimes to myself, other times to the kids.

I’ve just seen the new movie based on the The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in the theater this weekend–it was SO wonderful! It’s very true to the book, and the tender story gets even more so when you see the story brought to life. I highly recommend seeing the movie with your whole family!

But this is a book review! So…

Barbara Robinson’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a timeless classic that deserves a cherished spot on every family’s bookshelf. This uproarious and heartwarming tale follows the Herdmans, six delinquent siblings who wreak havoc on the annual church Christmas pageant.

What starts as a recipe for disaster quickly transforms into a hilarious and surprisingly touching story. The Herdmans are masters of chaos–the embodiment of the every kid that has brought their school teachers to tears. The fun begins when they demand starring roles in the pageant, and continues as they reinterpret the Christmas story with their own unique brand of logic. The result is laugh-out-loud funny, with moments that will have you reading aloud to anyone within earshot.

But beyond the humor, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” offers a powerful message about compassion, acceptance, and the true meaning of Christmas. The Herdmans, initially portrayed as troublemakers, gradually reveal their vulnerability and genuine desire to understand what it means to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Witnessing their transformation and the community’s response is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

This book is a perfect read for the holiday season, reminding us that Christmas spirit can be found in the most unexpected places. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering this gem for the first time, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is guaranteed to delight and inspire readers of all ages.

It’s only 80 pages. Read it yourself on a snowy day, listen to it while your setting up your Christmas decorations, let your independent readers tackle it by themselves, or read it aloud to the family. No one will be disappointed! And see the movie. This is one (rare) time when the movie does justice to the magic of the book!

No content concerns by way of language, violence, or other adult content. There are depictions of kids smoking, bullying, and causing general mayhem and destruction. It’s all in good fun, however. This dad says The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is best for all ages.

Happy Reading!

Happy Reading