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. "Wiry-tough, tender-hearted, unsentimental, and consistently funny." --The London Sunday Times "The book is outrageous, lively, funny, and wonderful. The Christmas story takes on a strangely moving depth of meaning and shines through with a new brilliance." --Denver Post Barbara Robinson has written many popular books for children, including The Best Halloween Ever, The Best School Year Ever, and My Brother Louis Measures Wormsand Other Louis Stories. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is an ALA Notable Children's Book and was filmed as a television movie. Elaine Stritch, a superlative dramatic actress, won a Tony® Award for her one-woman show, Elaine Stritch, At Liberty. A four-time Tony® nominee, she has starred in numerous plays and musicals including Bus Stop, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Company, and A Delicate Balance. She received a Grammy nomination for her recording of The Best Halloween Ever. Excerpted from The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
