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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

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

    About our ratings

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    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.

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?

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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
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 0.0

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