Maurice Saxby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dr Maurice Saxby AM
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| Born |
Henry Maurice Saxby
26 December 1924 Botany, New South Wales
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| Died | 30 November 2014 (aged 89) Hunters Hill, New South Wales
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| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | educator, author, critic reviewer |
| Known for | expert in Australian children's literature |
Henry Maurice Saxby (born December 26, 1924 – died November 30, 2014) was an important Australian educator, author, and expert on children's books. He was known for his deep knowledge of Australian children's literature. Many people called him "the Godfather of Australian Children's Literature" because of his big influence.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Henry Maurice Saxby was born in Botany, Australia, on December 26, 1924. He was one of four children. He went to Leeton High School and Fort Street Boys' High School. After high school, he continued his studies at the Metropolitan Business College.
Career Journey
Serving His Country
Maurice Saxby joined the Australian Imperial Forces from 1943 to 1946. He worked as an army medic in Papua New Guinea during World War II. He finished his service as a Sergeant.
Becoming a Teacher
After the war, Maurice Saxby trained to be a teacher. He taught in different schools across New South Wales for five years. He even helped set up a library at North Sydney School. He also worked as a teacher-librarian and taught English.
He later earned a Masters of Education degree from the University of Sydney. He then became a university lecturer, teaching English and children's literature. He taught at several colleges and universities in Australia and overseas. Before he retired, he was the Head Teacher of Education at Kuring-gai College of Advanced Education.
His Love for Children's Literature
Maurice Saxby was known around the world as a top expert on children's literature. He especially focused on Australian children's books.
Maurice Saxby is considered, by those involved with Australian children's literature, as the foremost commentator on, and critic of, the field.
His university research on the history of Australian children's literature became famous books. These books helped people understand how children's stories in Australia changed over time. Some of his important books include "A history of Australian children's literature 1841 to 1941" and "Images of Australia 1940 to 1970."
Maurice turned me not just into a children's writer, but with his kindness and insight, made me the one I am now. So much of the strength and diversity of Australian children's literature is due to him...But his true legacy will last as long as stories are told to young people in Australia.
He also reviewed many Australian children's books for magazines like Magpies and Reading Time. This helped readers and publishers find great new books.
Children's Book Council of Australia
Maurice Saxby was a very important part of the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA). This group helps promote children's books. He was their first national president in 1958. He also helped choose the winners for the CBCA book of the year awards. He stayed involved with the CBCA for over 60 years and was given a special life membership.
International Board on Books for Young People
Maurice Saxby was also involved with the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). This is a worldwide group that promotes books for young people. He was chosen twice to be a judge for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. This is a very important international award for children's authors and illustrators. In 1986, both awards went to Australians, Patricia Wrightson for writing and Robert Ingpen for illustration. This was the first time both awards went to the same country.
NSW Premier's Literary Awards
He also served as a judge for the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards, which recognize excellent writing in New South Wales.
His Works
Maurice Saxby wrote and surveyed many types of books, including:
- History of children's literature in Australia
- Books about children's literature
- Books on teaching reading
- Anthologies (collections of stories or poems)
- Picturebooks
Awards and Recognition
Maurice Saxby received many awards for his work:
- 1983 Dromkeen Medal
- 1986 Rotary International Award for vocational excellence
- 1989 Lady Cutler Award (CBCA NSW)
- 1991 Children's Book Council of Australia National Council Citation
- 1991 Australian School Library Association Citation
- 1995 Appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
- 2002 Nan Chauncy Award for contributions to Australian Children's Literature
- 2005 Primary English Teachers Association Australia Life Member
- 2013 Pixie O'Harris Award for distinguished service to children's books
- 2013 Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) from the University of Sydney
Personal Life
Maurice Saxby was married twice. His first wife, Joyce Boniwell, worked as a children's editor for a book publisher. She passed away in 1964. He later married Norma Jean Bateson in 1972, and she passed away in 1990.
Henry Maurice Saxby died on November 30, 2014, in Hunters Hill, New South Wales. A special service was held to remember him at Sydney University. A book was created with memories from authors, illustrators, publishers, and friends.
Lasting Legacy
Maurice Saxby's work continues to be honored:
- The Maurice Saxby Award is given by the School Library Association of New South Wales. It celebrates people or groups who are excellent at promoting reading and writing for young people.
- The Maurice Saxby Lecture is presented by the Children's Book Council of Australia. It recognizes his important contributions to the CBCA.
