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jgurniak's review against another edition
4.0
I read this when I heard that a community theatre group was holding auditions for the play version. After reading it knew I had to audition (and for anyone wondering, I got in the angel choir)! Thank you Barbara Robinson for creating this hilarious Christmas tale!
tregina's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book when I was a kid, though it was hard to say why because I wasn't a particularly religious person even then. Maybe because it felt so honest. Though it's hard to believe I wasn't at least a little bit traumatized by the description of the Herdmans. It's not really the time of year for Christmas books, but I saw it on my shelf and just had the urge.
stephaniesteen73's review against another edition
5.0
I've read this book several times as a child and to my own kids. It's only 7 chapters long, so it's a good length to read as part of our Christmas traditions. Every year I appreciate it more. This book so perfectly captures the dark side of church-going people: our judgmentalism and desire to sterilize the unsavory aspects of the Bible. The Herdmans in all their imperfect, dirty, uncomfortable, ham-bearing glory, yelling out, "HEY! To you a Savior is born" is the perfect antidote we need!
eggjen's review against another edition
4.0
I think I read this once before as a kid but it was even better reading it as an adult and parent. I read it with my 8 year old who thought the antics of the Herdmans was hysterical and I agree. It's a really cute story that will remind you of your own family and childhood even if you never knew a family like the Herdmans.
amycbu's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I read this aloud to my kids every year and have since they were born. They love it and get super excited when December rolls around.
humbird's review against another edition
4.0
LOVE this story. I've read the book at least twice, plus had the privilege of being involved with the stage production three times. A humorous, real-life view of Christmas on both sides of the tracks and what happens and how both sides are changed when they collide at Christmas.
book_concierge's review against another edition
5.0
Audio book performed by Elaine Stritch
The six Herdman kids are a handful – and then some. Their father disappeared a few years ago, their mother works a double shift, and the children are pretty much left to their own devices. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, hit little kids, cuss their teachers, and even set fire to a tool shed.
When they show up at Sunday school (because they thought there would be snacks) just as the Christmas Pageant is being cast, they quickly take over. No one else will volunteer to take a major role for fear of being attacked by the Herdmans, so Imogene will be Mary, Ralph will play Joseph, the other Herdman boys will be the kings, and Gladys will be the Angel of the Lord – the only speaking part.
Imagine if you had never heard the story of Jesus's birth, what would you think? First the Herdman's are appalled that people put a pregnant woman in a barn. Then they are enraged that Herod would be plotting to kill a little baby. And what's with the “wadded-up clothes” they wrapped the baby in?
Imogene's Mary is fiercely protective of her innocent baby. The kings decide to bring a much better present than stupid, scented oil. And the Angel of the Lord yells so EVERYONE knows: “Hey! Unto you a Child is born!” And everyone is moved by the wonder and joy of Christmas.
Elaine Stritch does a great job narrating the audio. However, the version I had skipped the first chapter, which really introduces the Herdman's. I'm glad I had the text as well, so I could read that myself. The text also includes wonderful illustrations by Judith Gwyn Brown.
The six Herdman kids are a handful – and then some. Their father disappeared a few years ago, their mother works a double shift, and the children are pretty much left to their own devices. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, hit little kids, cuss their teachers, and even set fire to a tool shed.
When they show up at Sunday school (because they thought there would be snacks) just as the Christmas Pageant is being cast, they quickly take over. No one else will volunteer to take a major role for fear of being attacked by the Herdmans, so Imogene will be Mary, Ralph will play Joseph, the other Herdman boys will be the kings, and Gladys will be the Angel of the Lord – the only speaking part.
Imagine if you had never heard the story of Jesus's birth, what would you think? First the Herdman's are appalled that people put a pregnant woman in a barn. Then they are enraged that Herod would be plotting to kill a little baby. And what's with the “wadded-up clothes” they wrapped the baby in?
Imogene's Mary is fiercely protective of her innocent baby. The kings decide to bring a much better present than stupid, scented oil. And the Angel of the Lord yells so EVERYONE knows: “Hey! Unto you a Child is born!” And everyone is moved by the wonder and joy of Christmas.
Elaine Stritch does a great job narrating the audio. However, the version I had skipped the first chapter, which really introduces the Herdman's. I'm glad I had the text as well, so I could read that myself. The text also includes wonderful illustrations by Judith Gwyn Brown.
livingforjesus08's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so much better than I was expecting. It was so good. It made me think about the true christmas a little more than I have before and it was so cool. Now I can't wait until this christmas when Dallas Jenkins releases his movie about this book. I'm sure he'll do great things with it! Please read this book! I was expecting it to be kinda cliche but it wasn't at all. It was very realistic. And I highly recommend it.