Mr Patches
Independent picture books · Amsterdam
We’re a small studio making warm, witty, hand-drawn stories about moths at the opera and cats who refuse to be bored. Written, drawn and made with care.
The books
Mr Patches is bored. Every day feels like a chore — so he makes a pact with himself: for one whole week, he’ll give up being bored. What follows turns boredom on its head, from an endless run of grey days into an infinite source of inspiration.
Written by Nick Schönfeld · Illustrated by Julie Arnoult
One summer evening, Marvin the moth sets his heart on a lady in a red silk dress — and chases her into a glittering, opera-filled world. A mouthwatering adventure about perseverance, and not quitting when things get tough.
Written by Nick Schönfeld · Illustrated by Julie Arnoult
Where to buy
Both titles are stocked by a handful of independent bookshops we love. Pop in and say hello — or order directly from us by email and we’ll sort out postage.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Cape Town
Blantyre, Malawi
A bookshop and want to stock us? Get in touch — we’d love that.
“Mr Patches is Bored exemplifies the need for self-motivation and creative thinking. My students loved this story.”
“The themes running throughout meant that all children could access the story in a way appropriate to their age and level.”
Readings
We’ve read at more than 17 international schools across Europe, Africa and the UK — to wriggly reception classes and serious-faced ten-year-olds alike. If you’d like us to visit your school, library or event, we’d be delighted.
About us
Writer
Born in the Netherlands and raised across international schools around the world, Nick trained in film in New York and London before turning to children’s fiction. He writes the stories — and does most of the talking at readings.
Illustrator
Julie grew up in Tokyo and studied communications, film and animation in Amsterdam. An illustrator and graphic novelist, she draws every cat, moth and mouse in the Mr Patches world by hand.