Ages 8+1-min guideHumorClassicKindness
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
by Barbara Robinson
Good fitA great fit for most kids 8 and up. Very funny, with a warm ending. Expect cigar smoking, bullying, and a few jokes that have aged badly.
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What it’s about
The six Herdman kids are the worst kids in town. They come to Sunday school for the free snacks. Then they grab all the main roles in the Christmas pageant.
The ending
What might come up
SmokingSomeThe Herdman kids smoke cigars. Imogene smokes one in the church restroom, and the fire department comes.
Unkind behaviorSomeThe Herdmans bully, threaten, and steal from other kids. Adults mostly look the other way.
ViolenceSomeKids get 'clonked' and bruised, and the Herdmans once burned down a shed. Herod’s plan to kill baby Jesus is discussed.
Death and lossA littleA tank of goldfish breaks, and the fish likely die.
LanguageSomeOne 'my God.' The Herdmans are said to cuss, but no words are given. Some dated insults about weight and 'natives.'
RomanceA littleOne line says all the Herdmans talk about is 'sex and underwear.'
Why kids like it
The Herdmans are outrageous, and their questions about the Christmas story are hilarious.
Free printable quiz
- 1Why do the Herdmans first come to Sunday school?
- 2Which part does Imogene Herdman play in the pageant?
- 3What gift do the Wise Men bring to baby Jesus?
- 4Who directs the pageant?
Read it, then watch it
Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.
