'After service in World War II, he trained as a teacher and continued studying literature throughout his long life; helped found the Children's Book Council of Australia; and passionately supported the development of school libraries. Wherever he went, former students would greet him with 'Maurie, you taught me to know and love books!' When Ena Noël founded IBBY Australia in the 1960s, Maurice immediately gave support; over the following decades, he provided continuity for succeeding IBBY Australia presidents, and in recent years he gave wise advice and encouragement to Jenni Woodroffe and me and our colleagues.' (Publication abstract)