Mamá's Magnificent Dancing Plantitas - (Little Jesús) by Jesús Trejo (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

BookPage Best Picture Books of 2024

In this highly anticipated companion to Pura Belpre Honor winner Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock, little Jesús gets a new and very important job: caring for Mamá's beloved houseplants. From sharing his best jokes with the grumpy Cactus to dancing with the beautiful Peace Lily, it's going great--until the Golden Pothos, Mamá's favorite, crashes to the floor! How will Jesús get out of this one?

When Jesús gets home after school, he has to fill the time until Mamá can take him outside to play. It's tough, until Mamá appoints him Chief Plant Officer--he'll be like a big brother to her precious houseplants! Jesús does an excellent job keeping them watered, entertained, and happy--until an unfortunate accident during a dance party throws Jesús's entire job into crisis mode! Join Jesús and a hilarious cast of houseplants as they navigate the biggest challenge of all.

The high-spirited hero of Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock is back with another irresistible family misadventure that will warm your heart and make you laugh.

Review Quotes

A Best Picture Book of 2024 -- BookPage
A New York Public Library Best Books of 2024
A Chicago Public Library Best Book
150 Most Anticipated Books Fall 2024 --Kirkus Reviews
The 30 Best New Book Releases This Month --Parade
A Favorite Children's Book of 2024 -- Growing Book By Book

"A companion to the resplendent Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock, Trejo and Kinkz's latest collaboration amuses with similar madcap humor and shenanigans, focusing on [a] supportive mother-son relationship....the miniature scamp's hijinks and wry observations bring the laughs to the forefront." --Kirkus Reviews

"Your new go-to....an extra-entertaining read-aloud." --We Are Teachers

"★Another warmly funny story that highlights the value of improvisational thinking, the beauty of a loving family and the joys of houseplants." -- BookPage, STARRED REVIEW

"Once again, Jesús is back with an entertaining and hilarious adventure about an innocent misunderstanding. Not only does this one teach you about plants and how to care for them, (and what not to do with them), it's laugh-out-loud funny!" - Bookpeople

"Hilarious...so much fun to read aloud." -- Library Mom

"I love everything about this book. I love the scribbly art, I love the mix of English and Spanish, I love all the expressions on the plants, and I love Jesús and his adorable novela-esk dramatics.... A cute, hilarious book about plants, dealing with boredom, and learning what to do when you break something precious." - Barbara's Bookstore

"Jesus Trejo did it again! A beautiful book accompanied with amazing illustrations! It is always so refreshing and moving when I stumble on a children's book that reminds me of my upbringing." - Wild Sisters Book Club

"Will delight any Spanish-level listener." -- Booklist (for the Spanish language edition)

"Illustrator Kinkz returns with vivid and engaging watercolor illustrations including lots of detailed plants with facial expressions and handwritten dialogue. Overall, a vibrant portrait of a mother-son bond that mostly delivers on its upbeat message." --Booklist

★★★★★"Trejo's writing is lyrical and clever, tapping into a child's humor with plant jokes! Kinkz illustrations are child-centered....Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our "to read" piles? Toward the top!" --Youth Services Book Review

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 LA 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.