Starred review from June 1, 2023
K-Gr 3-It's finally Saturday, and Jes�s is super excited to help Pap� in his gardening and landscaping work. Pap� gives Jes�s a very special task and puts him in charge of the barrilito that holds the water they will drink for the day, telling Jes�s that when the water is gone from the water jug, it will mean the work day is over, and they can return home. Jes�s helps by mowing the grass, pulling weeds, and bringing Pap� water when he needs a cool drink. As they visit different houses, Jes�s 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 Pap� is shocked when there is no more water left. Where did it all go? Jes�s admits he shared with his animal friends and even splashed some on his face. Pap� explains they still have quite a bit of work left, and Jes�s refills the water jug and works hard to conserve it this time. Together, Jes�s and his father work hard and the next time the barrilito is empty, it really is time to head home. Colorful watercolor illustrations and Jes�s'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. Jes�s 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 Jes�s 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 Jes�s 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
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