38 pages • 1 hour read
Barbara RobinsonThe Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1972A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a 1972 children's book by Barbara Robinson, narrates the story of the six misbehaving Herdman siblings and their unexpected involvement in the town’s annual Christmas pageant. When the usual organizer is injured, the narrator's mother takes over. The Herdmans, having never heard the Christmas story before, join the pageant, bringing chaos but ultimately offering a fresh, heartfelt perspective on the holiday. The story explores themes of redemption, perspective, judgment, and tradition. There is a mention of child neglect and bullying.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Barbara Robinson's The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is celebrated for its humor and heartwarming themes, portraying the transformative power of community and kindness. Critics extol its engaging characters and insightful commentary on human nature. Some find it overly sentimental or simplistic, but it remains popular for family reading during the holiday season.
Who Should Read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever?
Readers who enjoy humorous, heartwarming stories centered around children and holiday festivities will love The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. Similar to Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss, it appeals to those appreciating tales of unexpected transformation and the true spirit of Christmas.