Barbara J. Robinson, children's book author

Barbara J. Robinson, 85, of Berwyn, author of humorous children's books including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, died Tuesday, July 9, of cancer at her home.

The former Barbara Webb was born in Portsmouth, a river town in southern Ohio that she credits with shaping her literary path. She spent her childhood with her widowed mother and an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and the characters who flourish in small towns.

Mrs. Robinson began writing - poems at first - at a very early age. By the time she reached adulthood, she was an accomplished short-story writer, with 40 to 50 published stories in McCall's, Ladies' Home Journal, and Redbook magazines.

In 1971, one of her stories drew the notice of Harper Collins Publishers. The editors suggested she expand it into a book, and thus was born The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The work has sold more than a million copies worldwide and was adapted into a 1983 made-for-TV movie starring Loretta Swit of M*A*S*H fame.

Later, the book was made into a script for a children's play. That, too, gained worldwide popularity, her family said in a statement.

The Christmas Pageant book, one of 12 written by Mrs. Robinson, was centered on the Herdmans, an imaginary family of six delinquent but irresistible children.

The Best/Worst School Year Ever and The Best/Worst Halloween Ever also were based on the antics of the Herdman children.

"The humor just came naturally to her," said her daughter Marjorie Pinto-Leite.

While continuing to write, Mrs. Robinson spent the latter part of her career visiting schools across the country, speaking to children and teachers about writing, and attending writers' conferences.

"That was the favorite part, speaking with the children who were her readers," her daughter said. "She was delighted with their questions and comments, some of which were hilarious."

In 1996, Mrs. Robinson received an honorary doctorate of letters from Allegheny College, her alma mater, in Meadville, Pa.

Mrs. Robinson was married for 44 years to John F. Robinson. They met when she was out with a girlfriend, and several Navy men, including Robinson, approached them. "That's the one I want," she told her friend, according to family lore. He died in 1995 of cancer.

Surviving, besides her daughter, are another daughter, Carolyn, and three grandsons.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Newtown Square Presbyterian Church, 3600 Goshen Rd., Newtown Square, Pa. 19073. A visitation will follow at the church. Burial is private.

Contributions may be made to the church or to Easttown Library, 720 First Ave., Berwyn, Pa. 19312.