By Barbara Robinson

     Called one of America s favorite Christmas stories, and now a classic television movie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever has been a favorite of young readers the world over since 1972. Funny, memorable, and outrageous, it is the story of a family of incorrigible children who discover the Christmas story for the first time and help everyone else rediscover its true meaning. Publisher: Harper Collins Author: Barbara Robinson Format: 128 pages, paperback Ages: 9-12 ISBN: 978-0064402750

     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.

      The six Herdman children are the terror of their town. When they take over the annual Christmas pageant, everyone rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas. ALA Notable Children's Book 1971-1975.