I'm not sure at what age I was introduced to "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," but I do recall it was at school. I remember a teacher reading it aloud to us, one chapter a day leading up to the Christmas break.
I read it a lot as a kid, checking it out of the library at random times of the year since it was always gone at Christmas time. Or I'd check it out in early November and get a jump start on things.
For those of you who may have missed it, you've missed a treat. It's the story of the Herdmans who are "the worst family in town." They've got a ton of kids, all of whom seem to get into trouble and are the bane of their teacher's existence. I believe one of the lines in the book is how the teachers are afraid to hold one back since that means you'd have two in the class the next year.
The Herdmans hear about the annual Christmas pageant at church and show up to be part of it. Of course, hilarity ensues.
It's a great book and I know I'm not alone in loving it.
I do recall that it was made into a Christmas special years ago. I believe Loretta Switt starred as the mother of the narrator and the director of the play. I remember really looking forward to seeing the special and being disappointed by it when I did. The screenplay took the emphasis away from the kids and was more a vehicle for Switt as the mother. It wasn't a huge change but enough that it made a difference.
Looking around on-line, I see the book has been adapted into a stage play as well. I've never seen it, but I think it'd be fun.
Years ago, I got a copy of the book for my niece. I'm not sure if she's read it or not. I need to ask her. I hope she has and that she enjoyed it as much as I did growing up.
Labels: Christmas
posted by Michael Hickerson at 12/04/2010 06:45:00 PM |
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