Shortlisted: 2010 Children’s Book Council of Australia – Book of the Year – Picture Book
Shortlisted: 2010 Itabashi Picture Book Translation Contest (chosen by the Committee of the Bologna Book Fair in Itabashi, Tokyo Japan)
'A lyrical fable.' Bookseller + Publisher
'Stella has an astute attention to detail, resulting in a book bearing a resemblance to a Victorian scrapbook. The attention to detail demands more than a cursory skim. Schumann's gentleness, his loyalty to his customers and simple pleasure in doing his best make the adult heart ache.' Courier Mail
'This book is a work of art in words and pictures. Stella Danalis’ artwork is full and textured and spills over with humour and colour. Every page about Schumann is alive and bright and stylish.' Pass It On
'This book revels in a playfulness of word and picture. The illustrations are a sumptious feast of mixed media collage, combining colourful patterns and textures into postmodern scenes and characters that surprise and please the eye. The language is equally sophisticated.' Magpies
'Danalis's text has the cadences of a traditional tale and reads well aloud but it is Stella Danalis's illustrations that linger in the mind. Her collages exhibit the same craftsmanship that Schumann brings to creating shoes. They are stunningly designed, imaginative and decorative, and have a very European flavour. This is an unusual, thought provoking and entertaining story for older readers, who will appreciate the multilayered text and illustrations.' Canberra Times
‘Lyrical, meaningful and beautiful.’ Education Review
'A picture book with a difference.' American Bookstore Summer Reading Guide