Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock

★ 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.

Author: Jesús Trejo
Publisher: Minerva
Published: 06/06/2023
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 10.00h x 9.80w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781662651045
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 520652 / Papa's Magical Water-Jug Clock


Award: Pura Belpre Award - Honor Book
Award: Pura Belpre Award - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 04/24/2023
Kirkus Reviews 05/01/2023
School Library Journal 06/01/2023 pg. 71
Booklist 06/01/2023 pg. 92
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2023 pg. 61
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2024 - Superior,Well Above Average

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.