‘When the laces are tied, your shoes will be ready.’

Schumann the Shoeman was adored by the townsfolk and his shoes were the talk of the town. Each pair a sight to
behold, made with care and consideration. And when the shoes were ready for collection, he tied the laces on his
shoe-shop sign for all the town to see!
But when a big shoe business moves into his town, Shoeman's work
disappears like the steam rising up into the sky from the new factory. The town has forgotten him. His spirits low,
his creativity stifled, Schumann moves to the forest where the animals soon seek out his work and his heart.

Lyrical, meaningful and stunningly beautiful, this picture book challenges readers to think about where things
come from and the world of big business. Inspired by the author's struggle to find replacement parts for his
electronic goods, Schumann the Shoeman feels like a journey into another world, a fable for times and practices gone
past. (Readings, 2009)

Grade Four students at Lynbrook Primary School created these collage shoes inspired by Schumann’s story.
They carefully painted sheets of multipurpose paper as the base of their designs and embellished their creations with
ribbons, sequins, glitter and beads.

The activity was part of our whole school cultural celebration of Harmony Day. Through storybooks we immersed
ourselves in different cultures and celebrated our universal love for story telling. ‘Schumann the
Shoeman’ touched the students and they connected with the message of the story. Perhaps this is why they
created their collages with so much care.

Eliza Surkitt
Visual Art Teacher    
Lynbrook Primary School
Suitable for
Level 3