When the 2025 National Library Week theme is “Drawn to the Library,” who better to feature than Long Beach comedian, actor, podcaster and author Jesús Trejo? His award-winning children's books Papa’s Magical Water Jug-Clock and Mama’s Magnificent Dancing Plantitas come to life with vibrant artwork that enhances his magical stories.
Jesús Trejo's adventures in reading started early: “I must have been five years old when I got my first library card at the main library branch in downtown Long Beach. I took part in many, many summer reading programs there as a kid, and recently had the pleasure of reconnecting with my childhood librarian, Suzanne McMillan. As an adult, Jesús loves reading “because it catapults us into an ocean of stories that bring us joy, make us think, make us cry, but most importantly, make us wonder. Reading is simply letting the light in.”
Favorite Book:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“Over the years, The Alchemist has found me at the right times, and each time I’ve re-read it, I’ve discovered a new takeaway. This book has made me aware of the ‘omens and legends' in my personal life—those signs that show you that you’re on the right path. I’ve come to see that our paths, whether in live, career or even in my caregiving journey with my late mother, are filled with challenges that shape us. Sometimes, the struggles seem like obstacles, but looking back, they are the very things that push us forward toward growth.
Santiago’s character in the book made me reflect on my own journey. That tipping point when he leaves the comfort of home—deciding to follow his own personal legend without knowing where he’s going—reminded me of the leap of faith I took when I decided to become a stand-up comedian full-time. You decide one day to put one foot in front of the other and go!
These days, I’m touring most of the year, so I do most of my reading on the road in airports, coffee shops and planes. E-books are great and definitely serve a purpose, but the smell of a library or paperback book? There’s nothing like it!”
Papa’s Magical Water Jug-Clock by Jesús Trejo is available in Spanish and English at LBPL branches.
