Pap?’s Magical Water-Jug Clock

Overview

★ Kirkus Reviews ★ Publishers Weekly ★ School Library Journal
A 2024 Pura Belpr? Honor Award, American Library Association

In Mexican American comedian Jes?s 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 Jes?s is excited to spend a Saturday with his landscaper Pap? at the “family business.” He loves Pap?’s cool truck and all the tools he gets to use. Pap? even puts him in charge of the magical water jug, which is also a clock! When it’s empty, Pap? explains, the workday will be done. It’s a big job, and Jes?s 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 Jes?s 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.