Tools for this page
Print

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

(1972, Fiction - Holiday, Written by Barbara Robinson, Illustrated by Judith Brown)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    A unique and entertaining spin on an age-old tale.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Main characters are extreme troublemakers (set fires, steal, and lie) and display overall mean-spiritedness toward others (threatening, bullying, and gossiping). Main characters and narrator reflect negative attitudes toward overweight children.
  • Violence :

    Not an issue.
  • Sex :

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Lots of talk about cussing. One mild expletive.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Imogene, a young girl, smokes cigars (illustration provided).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Parents need to know that this is a unique and entertaining spin on an age-old tale. Some parents may want to exercise discretion: Not everyone will want their children exposed to the antics of the main characters or will appreciate the liberties the story takes with what some people may consider sacred ground. Also, because the story centers on a popular Christian childhood event, some of the meaning and irony may be lost on readers unfamiliar with Christmas pageants, but everyone can appreciate the universal humor and underlying meaning. Main characters model outlandishly horrible behavior.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about community outcasts. Do you think the rest of town would treat the Herdmans differently after the pageant? Do you think the Herdman children would behave differently if the community treated them more gently?
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Enter your email address
I am over 13 years old
Tell us your child's age
Why we ask
Why we ask
Providing your kids' age allows us to give you personalized recommendations for your family on our site and in our weekly newsletter (coming soon) - so you get better information, faster.Your privacy is our priority.

You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!

To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.

Our Members Say

Have You Read It? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Best Christmas Pageant Ever?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 4 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    gffrrd5erdcr

    r6fug yuigguiygug

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 1.0

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 0.0

Find books reviews by title

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Up

    Up

    Pixar's stunning 3-D adventure is an upper for everyone.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Beach Body Blues

    Beach Body Blues

    Talk to your kids about body image and the media.

  • Tech Tip

    What parents need to know. All About Avatars

    What parents need to know.

  • Pick of the Week

    MTV for Young Teens

    MTV for Young Teens

    Good MTV shows? Yup -- check out our list.

  • Download This

    European Playground

    European Playground

    Give kids a taste of Europe's languages and rhythms.