Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock - (Little Jesús) by Jesús Trejo (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Little Jesâus is excited to spend a Saturday with his landscaper Papâa at the "family business." He loves Papâa's cool truck and all the tools he gets to use. Papâa even puts him in charge of the magical water jug, which is also a clock! When it's empty, Papâa explains, the workday will be done. It's a big job, and Jesâus wants to do it right. But he just can't help giving water to an array of thirsty animals--a dog in a sweater, some very old cats, and a flock of peacocks. Before he knows it, the magical water jug is empty --but the workday's not over yet! Will Jesâus be fired?! Or is the jug not really magical after all?"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

★ Kirkus Reviews ★ Publishers Weekly ★ School Library Journal
A 2024 Pura Belpré Honor Award, American Library Association
International Latino Book Award Honorable Mention

In Mexican American comedian Jesús Trejo's debut picture book, a little boy makes a big, funny mistake and learns the value of resources like time and water--both of which have a magic all their own.

Little Jesús is excited to spend a Saturday with his landscaper Papá at the "family business." He loves Papá's cool truck and all the tools he gets to use. Papá even puts him in charge of the magical water jug, which is also a clock! When it's empty, Papá explains, the workday will be done. It's a big job, and Jesús wants to do it right. But he just can't help giving water to an array of thirsty animals--a dog in a sweater, some very old cats, and a flock of peacocks. Before he knows it, the magical water jug is empty --but the workday's not over yet! Will Jesús be fired?! Or is the jug not really magical after all? This mischievous tale of a very young comedian's life lesson will warm hearts and have class clowns, practical jokers, and all high-spirited kids nodding in sympathy.

Review Quotes

★ A 2024 Pura Belpré Honor Award, American Library Association
★ An Association for Library Service to Children Notable Title
★ A National Council of Teachers of English Charlotte Huck Recommended Title
★ A 2024 Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended title
★ A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids
★ A Chicago Public Library Best Book for Children
★ A Kirkus Best Picture Book of 2023
★ A Kirkus Best Picture Book of 2023 About Families
★ A 2024 CCBC Choice
★ A Bank Street Best Children's Book
★ An Américas Award Commended Title

★"A marvelous portrait of a working-class Latine family...brims with humorous, childlike observations....this tale of a loving father-son relationship radiates pure warmth. Kinkz's scrappy watercolor-blended artwork bursts with bright colors and amusing details, matching its tiny hero's chaotic spirit. Gleefully fun." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★"Vividly written....Exuberantly scribbled drawings give the animated prose an exuberant immediacy and plenty of heart." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

★"Convey[s] a positive attitude and the joy and love between Jesus and his father....bursting with color and with life, this picture book ... has something new to explore with every read through. Perfect for Spanish and English picture book collections." --School Library Journal, starred review

12 of the Best Children's Books Out June 2023 -- Book Riot

Featured in 20 Best Books To Read -- Kirkus Reviews

101 Great Books for Kids list -- Evanston Public Library (IL)

A Best Picture Book for Kids -- LAist

"This book is like a jolt of joy to the veins.....An expert combination of kid-logic and hilarious art....this is a picture book that has zeroed in on just the right age for just the right readership. The art and writing pair together with absolute perfection... Funny book of the year of the FUNNIEST book of the year? All I know is that I could read this to kids every day fo rthe rest of my life and be content."--Elizabeth Bird, A Fuse #8 Production/SLJ.com

"Top 10 to Note: Summer Preview: the 10 books I'm most looking forward to." --Travis Jonker, 100 Scope Notes, School Library Journal

"Beautiful....one of the reasons that I love this is kids are going to see themselves represented....and I love that the language of the community was preserved...I hope you'll go out and purchase these books and you know I only share that which impresses me." --Dr. José Medina, educator

"A simple yet powerful story of connection and teamwork."--Booklist

"A favorite new release...a wonderful perspective of considering what quality time is. Buy it. Five stars."--@readwithriver

"I appreciate the love between this father and son and the joy they share together. The real magic is in their relationship. Wonderful memory filled story."-- Pamela Gombert, Librarian, Bowen Elementary School

About the Author

Jesús Trejo is a comedian, the creator of the Showtime special Stay at Home Son, and an actor on the Netflix series Mr. Iglesias and the TV Land series Teachers. Jesús is also the host of the web series Tacos Con Todo, in which he navigates the L.A. taco scene with celebrity guests. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, where he still lives, Jesús appears regularly at international comedy festivals and stand-up venues.

Eliza Kinkz is a Tejana illustrator whose debut picture book was Goldie's Guide to Grandchilding, written by Clint McElroy. Eliza has worked on TV shows, music videos, and most happily on her own award-winning animated films. Eliza lives in Austin, Texas.