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.

“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
“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
“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.” * Booklist *

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.