BELIEVING IN BOOKS,
The Story of Lillian Smith

Illustrated by Patty Gallinger and Liz Milkau

Napoleon Publishing

ISBN 0929141776

"Any addict of children's books, child or adult, can't help but begin a biography of Canada's world-famous librarian Lillian H. Smith, with a horrified breath. For Smith, with her persistent high ideals and her activism for children began her life in a world where children were not allowed into libraries. So it was, and so it is recorded in a concise, engaging manner in Believing in Books......
At the heart of Waxman's story is Smith's passionate, innovative approach to sharing books with children...Again and again, Smith's sense of urgency, her respect for her young clientele, rings through.
"The love for a good story well told lies deep in every human heart," she wrote. The book's many anecdotes, quotations, photos and drawings convey this vividly, demonstrating the transforming power and sheer fun children gain from exposure to books of all kinds.
Smith's life is inspiring for children, and for all adults who care about children's learning.......this is a spirited, fascinating tribute."
Deirdre Baker, THE SUNDAY STAR

"...a story for children that would lead them into Smith's world and remind them that children have not always had the wealth of reading material that they do today.
Waxman's apparent goal was to make children aware of how and where libraries began and how they evolved. To this end she has succeeded admirably..lively original illustrations and ..reproductions of children's book covers from the Osborne collection. Waxman has presented an impressive role model for children today. Lillian Smith planted a wonderful garden that children's librarians are still tending."
QUILL AND QUIRE

"Believing in Books" speaks to my heart. Your book is for children to learn, for teachers to share with their classes for close curriculum connections and for all readers to enjoy. I LOVE the book. I'll sell the book.
BOOK SELLER

"Part of Napoleon Publishing's outstanding "Stories of Canada" series dedicated to presenting young readers with the lives of Canadian men and women whose influences have helped to create the world we live in, Believing in Books: The Story of Lillian smith is the true story of a remarkable woman who promoted books and reading for children in the early 1900's, and who became the first children's librarian in the British Empire. Lillian Smith's pioneer work in introducing children's literature to people around the world is retold with admiration by Sydell Waxman, and illustrated with black-and-white artwork by Patty Gallinger and Liz Milkau in this magical and engaging look at Lillian's life and literary love."
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW, OREGON, WI, USA

"I read it in one sitting and enjoyed every minute of it! Thank you for the gift of your research and writing. Thank you for sharing Lillian Smith's story.
LIBRARIAN AND AUTHOR