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“Pura Belpré Honor winning–illustrator Kinkz conveys a message all kids need to hear: Everyone makes mistakes, and owning them can bring relief and even joy…Kinkz has created a fully realized youngster who’s equal parts goofy exuberance and vulnerable insecurity. A deliciously effervescent celebration of family and resilience.”

– Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“[W]ith magnificently scrawled artwork, Kinkz offers a story that blends deep empathy, raucous candor, and a useful ritual for dealing with shame.”

– Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Kinkz has created a reassuring story of big feelings and belly laughs in her author-illustrator debut, no mistake about it.”

– Booklist, Starred Review

¡Mistaco! A Tale of Tragedy y Tortillas

Written by Eliza Kinks
Illustrated by Eliza Kinks
Published by Kokila

After an awful day at school (including a tragic but plausibly deniable mishap with a pudding cup), Izzy wants to be left alone. But it’s Friday, and that means making tortillas with Lito. As the mistakes pile up, they come tumbling out of Izzy—and Lito surprises her by saying everyone makes mistakes, and if she makes a tortilla out of her mistakes, he will EAT it.

“Mmmm. . .spicy! And boogery! With a hint of courage. My favorite taco EVER!”

Suddenly, the whole family is confessing and getting mistakes off their chests with a feast of mistacos!

Primary ISBN: 9780593700235
Publication Date: April 2025
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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Engagement Materials:

Read Aloud with the author, Eliza Kinkz

Source: Brightly Storytime