Patchwork Prince

Gr 1-5--Vividly colored illustrations help tell the story of a boy who lives in the island country of St. Lucia, who learns to be a prince when his mother takes him to pull fabric out of the trash where big corporations dump the clothes. To discourage people from taking things from the trash, the drivers set it on fire. Before this happens, the narrator and his mother take a few pieces home, where she turns the fabric into clothing; he proudly describes the colors she sews into a regal patchwork robe for him: black for beauty, green for life, red for strength, and more. The boy is proud of his mother for making the clothing and happy to wear it, imagining himself to be special. The illustrations convey every joyful moment, from the adventure of the visit to the dump to the assembling of the garment and the child's love of wearing it among his peers. The story has a powerful message of pride, even in things that others might not consider beautiful. This message of pride in self is very different from the mainstream media and social media messages most children receive today, which tends to rely on branding. Yet the book offers several jumping-off points for shared discussions: recycling, waste, repurposing, imagination, kindness, and, of course, economic inequity. VERDICT When sharing, read Paul's glorious author's note first to establish that this tale from memory offers so many lessons and so much beauty in very few pages.--Debbie Tanner

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"I'll never forget the first time I became a prince," begins a Black-presenting child narrator heading out with their mother. After the two hide, a truck carrying colorful fabric scraps speeds past them, spilling its bounty. As the two choose bright cloths from the pile, the driver returns and sets the textiles alight, signaling that "poor families were not welcome." Back home and having arranged the garments, the child does chores so "my queen's hands could be free to do their magic"--stitch clothing "fit for a prince" out of the fabrics. Attired in a patchwork drape of many colors, the child dances with their mother by candlelight, and, "My chin held high, I smiled and waved" to peers. Using phrases that outline principles of princehood ("A prince must be ready for new adventures," "Be brave"), Paul (Climb On!) marries whimsical imaginings with a portrait of bounty created amid adversity. Thomas (My Fade Is Fresh) brings a reverence for color to the spreads, imbuing them with jewel tones reflected in artfully rendered characters and garb. It's a loving portrait of a child embracing their innate value, taught by the queen who loves them best. An author's note concludes. Ages 3-7. Author's agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator's agent: Chad W. Beckerman, CAT Agency. (Oct.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

★ "The illustrations convey every joyful moment, [and] the story has a powerful message of pride, even in things that others might not consider beautiful . . . The book offers several jumping-off points for shared discussions: recycling, waste, repurposing, imagination, kindness, and, of course, economic inequity, [plus] Paul's glorious author's note . . . So much beauty in very few pages." —School Library Journal (starred review)

"A tender reminder that treasure can come from anywhere." —Kirkus Reviews

"Using phrases that outline principles of princehood, Paul marries whimsical imaginings with a portrait of bounty created amid adversity. Thomas brings a reverence for color, imbuing [the pages] with jewel tones reflected in artfully rendered characters and garb. It's a loving portrait of a child embracing their innate value, taught by the queen [their mother] who loves them best." —Publishers Weekly