(3) K-3 Illustrated by Laura Cornell. Robinson retells her classic Christmas story for a picture book audience. The much shortened text focuses on the pageant itself, but the entertaining Herdman children manage to shine nevertheless. Cornell's sketchy ink and watercolor illustrations play up the lovable messiness and chaos of the church pageant. This is not a replacement for the original novel but a suitable addition to holiday collections.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(2) 4-6 The Herdman kids' misconduct has caused the mayor to cancel Halloween and offer an alternate celebration--a tame evening party at Woodrow Wilson School. Though not as funny (or moving) as The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, this Herdman outing is still breezy and entertaining as the siblings demonstrate that they still have some tricks--and treats--up their sleeves.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2004