Paula's Patches

Gabriella Aldeman

Hardcover

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Do you recommend this book?

Yes!

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.

Book Details

Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing
Publish Date: Jul 11st, 2023
Pages: 32
Language: English
Edition: undefined - undefined
Dimensions: 10.20in - 10.10in - 0.40in - 1.05lb
EAN: 9781631987335
Recommended age: 05-09
Categories: • Social Themes - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance• Diversity & Multicultural

About the Author

Aldeman, Gabriella: -

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.

Praise for this book

"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, author of Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince and the award-winning The Juneteenth Story

"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, author of Tell Someone, Freaky Funky Fish, and Peculiar Primates

"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, author of the award-winning The Coquíes Still Sing

"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, author-illustrator of Abuelita and I Make Flan

"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, author of Plátanos Are Love

"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."