Paula's Patches

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.

Author: Gabriella Aldeman
Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing
Published: 07/11/2023
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 10.20h x 10.10w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781631987335
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 06/01/2023 pg. 92
Publishers Weekly 07/03/2023
Foreword 06/27/2023

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.