The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

Reviewed by Karen

Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

 

Ratings Explanation

Language: The Herdmans take the Lord’s name in vain twice. “Hell” is used once, as well as “shut up.” The book says that the Herdman children “say dirty words” and “swear.”

Violence: The Herdmans are bullies. They hit, bite, and otherwise physically torment their peers. They are vandals and set things on fire.

Sexual Content: Brief reference to the Herdmans “talking about sex” and how they look at “dirty books.”

Adult Themes: Imogene Herdman (and other siblings) smoke cigars. The children in the community are afraid of the Herdmans.

Synopsis

The six Herdman children are the town delinquents. They spend their days stealing, lying, smoking, bullying and vandalizing the community. “The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world.” So tells Beth, a child herself, who narrates the hilarious story of how those outrageous children end up invading the only “Herdman-free” place in town—the church. After they bully their way into taking over the main Christmas pageant parts, the Herdman children learn the nativity story for the first time. Their crazy interpretations of the Christmas Story help the whole town to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas, while they reinact the most memorable and “best Christmas pageant ever.”

This is a children’s classic!! I love the funny, unforgettable characters who take over the Christmas pageant and worm their way into our hearts. This makes for a great December read-aloud for classrooms or families alike. Countless stage productions are acted out annually across America, or there is a great movie version that can be enjoyed after reading the book. Years ago the Herdmans, and their antics, became one of our family’s best-loved Christmas traditions. Maybe it can be yours, too.