Home / Arts and Entertainment / Children's Lit Icon Barbara Robinson Dies at 85
Children's Lit Icon Barbara Robinson Dies at 85
14 Sep
Summary
- Children's author Barbara Robinson died at 85 from cancer.
- Her iconic book 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever' captivated readers.
- The story of the mischievous Herdman siblings became a holiday classic.
Barbara Robinson, the acclaimed author behind the cherished children's novel "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," passed away on Tuesday at her home in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. She was 85 years old, and her death was attributed to cancer.
Robinson's most famous work, published in 1972, introduced readers to the unforgettable Herdman siblings, a group notorious for their mischievous behavior. The novel hilariously depicts their chaotic takeover of a church Christmas play, ultimately infusing the holiday tradition with unexpected meaning and depth.
Beyond the novel, Robinson also penned screenplays and plays, including an adaptation of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" for television in 1983. Her stage adaptation has become a staple of Christmastime performances across the country since the early 1980s, reaching a vast audience.
Robinson also authored sequels and other children's books, including "The Best School Year Ever" and "The Best Halloween Ever." She is survived by her two daughters and three grandchildren. Her husband, John F. Robinson, died in 1995.
