Jesús is eager to be Papá’s assistant on this Saturday morning, helping out with their family gardening business. His first task: Fill Papá’s big water jug. Papá explains that it’s more than a jug of water—it’s also a magical clock. “It tells us how much work is left to do! When the jug is empty, that means, time to go home. … I’m putting you in charge of it, mijo.” Jesús (Latine) takes his responsibility seriously; unfortunately, he also uses the water liberally, not just for himself and Papá but also for the plethora of cats at the first house, the dog at the second, and the peacocks at the third, all of which he’s sure look thirsty. When Jesús announces mid-morning that it’s time to go home because the jug is empty, Papá has to explain that the jug isn’t really magic. “You’re my partner, but you’re also my kid. That’s why I try to make our workday fun.” Respect for their hard work and pride in a job well done are important finishing elements of this laugh-out-loud story. Comical details in the gleeful illustrations begin with the gardening-inspired Lucha Libre figures on the endpapers (El Plantador, Super Sodder, Clippity Clipper …) and never stop, while the storytelling mines situational humor that grows increasingly absurd while never making fun of Jesús’s naïve belief in the clock’s magic. (Ages 4-8)

★ 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.