Paula's Patches

by Gabriella Aldeman, Rocío Arreola Mendoza (Illustrator)

Overview

Problem-solver Paula patches her pants—and encourages her class to be resourceful, mend, and reuse.

Oh, no! While at school, Paula's pants catch on a bush that rips a large hole in her pants. She tries everything to hide the hole from her classmates, only to find out that they, too, have leaky lunchboxes, spaghetti stains, and hand-me-down backpacks. Nothing some colorful patches can't fix! Children will follow Paula as she feels embarrassed about her torn pants, curious about patches, and excited for a possible solution that helps both her and her classmates.

Paula's Patches can be used as a starting point for discussions of consumerism, throwaway culture, and fast fashion. At the back of the book, a section provides activities for children, including how to make their own patches, no-sew bookmarks, and fabric pouches.

A 2025 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Nominee, 2024 International Latino Book Award Honorable Mention, and 2023 Foreword INDIES Finalist.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781631987335
Publisher:	Free Spirit Publishing
Publication date:	07/11/2023
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	531,290
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.32(d)
Lexile:	540L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 9 Years

About the Author

Gabriella Aldeman is a Panamanian American author. She writes picture books in hopes that more children become readers and that all readers feel seen. She is also a professional translator and holds degrees from Georgetown University and the College of William and Mary.

Gabriella lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with her partner and two children.

Editorial Reviews

07/03/2023

A child’s worries over torn trousers prompt unexpected creativity in Aldeman’s sensitive picture book debut. When Latinx-cued narrator Paula snags one trouser knee en route to school, “I knew I would have to wait for the next batch of hand-me-downs from my cousin.” Afraid that schoolmates, portrayed with varying skin tones, will laugh at the tear, Paula covers it during class, props a food tray over it at lunch, and uses a sweater to cover it. As these efforts progress, Paula notices that a classmate’s backpack is labeled with another person’s name, that a spill stains a friend’s favorite shirt, and that another classmate carries a blanket pieced from baby clothes. Remembering that “Mami kept old, worn clothes and fabric scraps” in the closet, Paula problem-solves, creating homemade patches for the pants—and classmates’ clothes, too. Mendoza’s patterned illustrations lean into a bright palette in this book about “mending, and decorating, and making things our very own.” An author’s note and three “Fun with Fabric” projects conclude. Ages 5–9. (July)

Publishers Weekly

Paula’s Patches is a beautiful text that will reassure all readers that the clothes they wear should not be a source of embarrassment. But most importantly, I see it as a testament to the power of creative thinking as a problem-solving tool. As a mom, tree hugger, hand-me-down enthusiast, and author, I am so excited to read this book to my daughter and I cannot wait to see what other stories Gabriella Aldeman is stitching up.

Alyssa Reynoso-Morris

A rip, a spill, or a tear might ruin anyone’s day, but not Paula’s! In Paula’s Patches, we discover how one creative kid solves the problem while learning about visible mending too!

Adriana Hernández Bergstrom

A sweet, heartwarming story that touches on a range of big feelings—embarrassment, struggle, ingenuity, and finally pride. Engaging text and vibrant illustrations make this a perfect addition to any library.

Debra Kempf Shumaker

Paula’s Patches is heartfelt tale of solving a dilemma through creativity and positivity. An inspiring take on a relatable experience for many young readers.

Karina Nicole González

Aldeman’s sweet, relatable book and lovable protagonist Paula will inspire empathy and creative problem solving in even the youngest readers. A great book for home, school, or library, it even has back matter with easy projects for budding sewers!

Alliah L. Agostini

Sensitive to children’s fear of ridicule, the story shows how a creative solution for one person's problem can have positive ripple effects, helping others as well.

From the Publisher

Sensitive to children’s fear of ridicule, the story shows how a creative solution for one person's problem can have positive ripple effects, helping others as well.

Booklist

Bright colors and cheery patterns enhance this heartfelt story about overcoming shame and embracing individuality.

Starred Review Foreword Reviews