Jesús Trejo’s family members aren’t just his biggest supporters—they’re his literary inspiration. His debut picture book, Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock (2023), illustrated by Eliza Kinkz—about a young boy who spends the day helping his gardener dad—was a love letter to his father, while his newest, Mamá’s Magnificent Dancing Plantitas (Minerva/Astra Books for Young Readers, Sept. 10), also illustrated by Kinkz, is a tribute to his late mother. In the story, young Jesús attempts to care for his mother’s plants—with hilarious results. Trejo answered our questions about the book via email; his answers have been edited for length and clarity.

What inspired you during the writing of the book?

The inspiration was my mother’s favorite gigantic pothos plant. I’m pretty sure this plant and I are the same age! I have vivid memories of her watering and caring for it with love, the plant wrapping throughout our apartment on Magnolia Boulevard in Long Beach, California. My mom said the plant was giving our home a big abrazo [hug]. I listened to music my mother enjoyed—mariachi, ranchera, and banda songs—which helped me channel her positivity, vibrance, and joy into the book.

How have family members responded to your books?

The coolest thing ever was when my parents got to see themselves as characters in Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock. My mother really liked the way she was illustrated. My father, on the other hand, said, “That doesn’t look like me!” Then later, “That does look like me! I remember wearing an outfit like that!” It was funny to see my dad come around and realize how Eliza Kinkz had nailed it. 

You’re also a comedian. How do you incorporate your sense of humor into your picture books?

I try to tap into my beautiful upbringing and incorporate my little-kid logic and my sense of humor. In Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock, I included a joke from my debut appearance on The Tonight Show: “If you think about it, muffins love wearing corduroys.” Still one of my favorites! It feels great to see it in my debut book. I love seeing how the jokes land at live readings in schools and libraries. Who’d have thought you’d find hecklers in classrooms and libraries, too? 

What was most challenging about writing this book? And most rewarding?

When Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock was released last June, my mom was still alive. We had a beautiful moment in my parents’ living room, and my wife, Adria (who consulted and did the translation for the Spanish edition), read the Spanish edition to my parents. Knowing that my mother isn’t around to see the completed copy of Mamá’smakes it a bit difficult for me. My amazing editor, Maria Russo, was patient and vital in bringing this special story to life during one of my most difficult times.

Last month we were in San Diego for the American Library Association’s annual meeting, where both Eliza and I received Pura Belpré honors. It was so rewarding to have my wife and dad there. Our hearts skipped a beat whenever someone mentioned how excited they were for Plantitas.

Mahnaz Dar is a young readers’ editor.