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

Gleefully fun.

This vividly written picture book debut from comedian and actor Trejo offers a rare look at a day on the job from a child's perspective. Jesús loves everything about helping his father with the Latinx-cued family's landscaping business on Saturdays. Wearing a jaunty red neck bandana, Jesús takes in "a tasty mixed smell of oil, gasoline, and yesterday's cut grass" that emanates from the work van. Today, Papá has made Jesús the "boss" of the big orange water jug, which is also, Papá says, a magical clock--"When the jug is empty, that means, time to go home." But though Mamá reminds the duo to "drink lots of agua," Jesús is elaborately unstinting with the water, splashing it on his face and offering it to every animal he sees. By 10:30 a.m., none remains for drinking, and there are still 11 houses to go. Assuring a worried Jesús that he won't be fired, Papá explains that making things fun--for example by pretending a water jug has magical powers--doesn't obviate the day's responsibilities, then offers an opportunity to refill the bucket. Exuberantly scribbled pencil, ink, watercolor, gouache, and crayon drawings by Kinkz (Goldie's Guide to Grandchilding) give the animated prose an exuberant immediacy and plenty of heart. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Albert Lee, United Talent Agency. Illustrator's agent: Stephen Barr, Writers House. (June)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 3--It's finally Saturday, and Jesús is super excited to help Papá in his gardening and landscaping work. Papá gives Jesús a very special task and puts him in charge of the barrilito that holds the water they will drink for the day, telling Jesús that when the water is gone from the water jug, it will mean the work day is over, and they can return home. Jesús helps by mowing the grass, pulling weeds, and bringing Papá water when he needs a cool drink. As they visit different houses, Jesús notices cats, dogs, and even some peacocks that look like they could use a cool drink, too. Slowly, the water jug begins to empty, and Papá is shocked when there is no more water left. Where did it all go? Jesús admits he shared with his animal friends and even splashed some on his face. Papá explains they still have quite a bit of work left, and Jesús refills the water jug and works hard to conserve it this time. Together, Jesús and his father work hard and the next time the barrilito is empty, it really is time to head home. Colorful watercolor illustrations and Jesús's attitude--which is bursting with excitement and positivity--will pull readers in right away, sharing the boy's outlook and the bright world he lives in with his loving parents. Jesús is shown helping his father with hard work, while they both enjoy being in each other's company. Readers will have a good laugh every time Jesús shares the water with animals, and his attitude will have them smiling at every turn of the page. Both English and Spanish text versions convey this positive attitude and the joy and love between Jesús and his father, with thought and speech bubbles adding to the conversations between them. VERDICT Bursting with color and with life, this picture book about a young boy's day helping his father has something new to explore with every read through. Perfect for Spanish and English picture book collections.--Selenia Paz

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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, and ... I'd say it's just about as perfect a summertime book as you're likely to find for a while...Nab it for your next storytime, whenever you get the chance. — Elizabeth Bird, A Fuse #8 Production/SLJ.com

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 

Perfect for teachers wanting to find texts that represent their diverse student populations....and the speech bubbles and comic-style details ... will make it appealing for younger readers. I would definitely recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the age 4-8 range. — Angie Kuhnle, elementary school educator 

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 

Charming... filled with an important life lesson [and] celebrates this hard-working family's daily routine while creating a sense of lighthearted silliness along the way....a wonderful story that will delight readers everywhere. There is so much to love about Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock. I encourage you discover it for yourself. — Cheryl Malandrinos, Goodreads

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