¡Mistaco! A Tale of Tragedy y Tortillas / ¡Mistaco! Un recuento de tragedias y tortillas

Share this book

At the end of the book, author and illustrator Eliza Kinkz offers instructions for “How to Make a Mistaco.” Take advantage of the idea and plan a family reading night where everyone gets to share their mistacos, a great book, and a delicious meal.

With families seated in small groups, begin the evening with a read-aloud of ¡Mistaco! A Tale of Tragedy y Tortillas (in English or Spanish), then invite families to reflect on their own mistakes  before passing the tortillas, cheese, beans, butter, cinnamon sugar, etc. Remind everyone to tell their tortillas their mistakes before devouring their mistacos.

When everyone has had their fill, ask families to share one or two of their mistacos with the whole group by expressing their mistakes on paper tortilla cutouts using provided markers and crayons. Collect and display the mistacos in the cafeteria or library so everyone can share the laughter, lessons, and family stories.

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. Why does Izzy have a hard time sharing what her day was like with her family?
2. Does hiding from her mistakes work for Izzy? Have you ever tried to hide from your mistakes? How did you feel when you did that?
3. How does Izzy’s family react when Izzy tells them about all her mistakes? What does Lito do to help Izzy feel better about her day?
4. How do the illustrations help you understand how Izzy is feeling? What hidden jokes did you find in the pictures?
5. Have you ever had trouble accepting a mistake you made? What did you do?
6. Why do all Izzy’s family members join in sharing their mistakes? Why do you think everyone wants to share a mistaco?

Related Resources

Mistaco! A Tale of Tragedy y Tortillas Read Aloud with the author from Brightly Storytime
Fruitful Mistakes from Responsive Classroom