The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Audiobook By Barbara Robinson cover art

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

By: Barbara Robinson
Narrated by: C. J. Critt
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The six Herdman children are “absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world”. They lie and steal and smoke cigars. They even burned down Fred Shoemaker’s old toolhouse. Now they’re taking over the Christmas pageant.

The Herdmans have never heard the Christmas story before, and they don’t know anything about shepherds or Wise Men. When Imogene hears about the swaddling clothes, she demands to know why anyone would tie up a baby and put him in a feedbox. Leroy, Claude, and Ollie are planning on a gift that means much more than gold, frankincense, and myrrh - the ham from their Christmas basket.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, now also a television movie, has been a favorite of children and their parents since 1972. As C.J. Critt’s spirited narration captures the lively and outrageous spin that the Herdmans put on the Nativity scene, listeners will delight in this unusual and refreshing interpretation of Christmas.

©1972 Barbara Robinson (P)1997 Recorded Books Christmas Classics Fiction Holidays & Celebrations Humorous Fiction Literature & Fiction Comedy Winter Funny Witty Feel-Good Heartfelt

Critic reviews

"Elaine Stritch shares all of it like the best small-town gossip, and the voices of kids and grown-ups alike are real and, more importantly, funny. Events reel out at a breakneck pace, but Stritch's narration stays steady and in control." ( AudioFile)
Heartwarming Christmas Story • Fresh Perspective • Perfect Narration • Meaningful Message • Timeless Classic
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there are two versions of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. In this particular version the narrator is not very good. She does not seem to use the proper inflection to give you the feel of the story so to speak. However the other recording of This Book the narrator is spot-on! I will definitely be listening to the other version from here on out. Do yourself a favor by the other one it's the exact same story just read in a much better way!

not a very good reader

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The humor is just as good as I remember it as a child. My kids and husband thought it hilarious too. Now, as an adult though, I am catching on to the humbling reality of our pride and comfort/familiarity we have with the Christmas story. It is indeed wonderful and to see it through the Herdman's eyes has been a humbling and sobering experience. It also gave me a great opportunity to point out to my kids, that "unchurched" people who might do things/say things we don't as Christian's should not be ostracized but need to be lovingly taught and told the gospel. Not judged and looked down on. It's become a new adulthood favorite as I laughed and choked back tears.

Childhood and adulthood favorite

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My family enjoyed this story and had some great conversations about some of the ideas in it.

Great Story

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The reader's voice is a little scratchy like that of an older lady. I'd prefer it be read by a younger voice, more consistent with the narrator character.

My favorite book.

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The audio dramatization of such a lively book with so many voices done so well you could just see the characters!

The story is delightful and makes you think seriously as well.

I’m not sure how this could have been any better. Story, performance - every element was excellent!

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A good family story for the holidays!!!! I ❤️ it. My 7 year old son says his favorite part of this story is when the three wise men bring baby Jesus a ham instead of their normal gifts.

Such an awesome story!

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I read this book in 5th grade (40 years ago) and also watched the movie. My local theater put on this performance and it was so nostalgic. It’s a favorite for sure!

The Best

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This will teach lots of people the Christmas story! Great for kids and grown ups alike

Greatest story ever

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My three boys from 7 to 13 & I LOVED listening to this together during the Christmas season. It sent home the message of Christ's love for us all, just as we are with my seven year old which was a wonderful experience right before Christmas. Couldn't recommend it enough!!!

Wonderful Christmas family listen!!!

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Wonderful story about a family of mischievous children who volunteer to be in the Christmas pageant in order to get cake. Instead they learn the biblical story of Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus.

Great story! Wonderful way to teach children about the Bible.

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