Friday, December 16, 2011

The Best Christmas Pagent Ever

by Barbara Robinson
"The Herdmans were the worst kids in the history of the world.  They lied and stole things and burned down farmer John's shed."  And one day these children, who do everything wrong, end up at church.  Having nothing better to do they sign up for the main roles in the Christmas Pageant.  The biggest problem with that is they have never heard the story before.  When they are told the Herdmans are outraged that anyone would have to have a baby in a barn.  Also, why didn't anyone get back at Herod?  As they go through the story Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men, and the Angel suddenly become more human.  Many are horrified by the simple human touches the Herdmans give, but the narrator of the story sees Mary and Joseph as real people for the first time.  Christmas happened, people saw it, and this year the Herdmans are telling their story.

Audience
Upper elementary and middle school.  It is not geared toward adults or young adults, but I find it delightful.

What I Love About This Book
This book is hilarious!  I laughed all the way through, except the touching parts.  I love the way the book shows small towns and the way they are interconnected.  I love seeing the Christmas story through innocent eyes again.

Cautions
The Herdman's antics are winked at, rather than chastised, in the tone of the book.

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