Communicating our exuberance over Mistaco (Kokila, April 1), illustrator Eliza Kinkz’s picture book debut as an author, would take about 123 exclamation points. What we can offer in lieu is our starred review, naming Mistaco “a deliciously effervescent celebration of family and resilience,” as well as a spot on our list of the Best Picture Books of 2025. Kinkz told us more about the book by email.

What was the original idea that started you working on Mistaco?

Definitely memories of making tortillas with my Lita and Lito (my grandparents), and how I could not roll out a round tortilla to save my life! I probably should have just tried SITTING on them! But my Lito would ease my frustration over my weird misshapen tortillas by simply saying, “I’ll eat all your mistakes, mamita!” 

This is the first picture book you’ve written as well as illustrated. What’s the best part of illustrating your own story?

That I could spill as much queso on my artwork as I wanted! But, to be truly honest, it was that this book was all ME—200% Eliza KINKZ, bebé!! Usually, I try to keep my illustrations very simple for humor purposes, but this time I played with having patterns, as I had this urge to show extra affection to the illustrations—probably because there is so much of my family and childhood in this book. It’s truly a love letter to mi gente in Texas! No wonder I was skipping around with joy as I did the final paint strokes!

What inspired you during the writing process? 

My Lita and Lito’s tiny house—and truly understanding as an adult what a miracle it was that all of us were able to fit in there. No wonder I have so many memories of happily eating under the kitchen table! But, it was such a safe place to create and be myself:a loving home that gave me the gift of playfulness that I still hold tight to and cartwheel into my creative process.  

Where and when did you write? 

In my treehouse, after I assemble a comfy, warm pile of 123 breakfast tacos to sleep on top of. Don’t worry!! They are each wrapped in foil as I roll around on them.Otherwise, it would be super gross when I ate them all later. 

What was most challenging about writing the book?

The goat that would keep stealing it. (What a jerk!!)Also, patience with the revision process.As I tend to think that anything I write IS THE BEST VERSION OF A STORY IN THE HISTORY OF STORIES!!! (Maybe a publisher will make a book from this article?)

What books published in 2025 were among your favorites?

The Lone Wolf series (by Kiah Thomas, illustrated by K-Fai Steele) is HILARIOUS! Why is there not more talk about these books?! Grrrrrrrrrr.

Anything (by Rebecca Stead, illustrated by Gracey Zhang) was EVERYTHING for me. Especially the spread with “How many anythings can I wish for?” You’ll tumble into the drawing of all the possibilities. 

What a gorilla pictures a kid looking like in If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone (by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Emily Hughes) has had me laughing, and terrified for days.

Lastly, for the grand KaBOOM…Fireworks (by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia Chen) is the picture book that I firmly believe gatefolds were waiting in giddy anticipation for.

This is truly a magical age for picture books—as long as goats don’t steal them.

Editor at large Megan Labrise hosts the Fully Booked podcast.