And Tango Makes Three

Sarah Sammis

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell has been the top on the list of the most challenged books in the United States in 2006, 2007 and 2008. When I saw it at my public library (yay!) I snatched it up to take home and read to my kids.

The book is based on facts. In 2000 Roy and Silo were given an egg from a two egg clutch knowing that the original parents had never successfully reared two eggs. Roy and Silo had been sitting on an egg shaped rock so the egg was given to them as a chance to let both eggs develop and for the two male penguins to be parents.

There is nothing overtly sexual or even biological about the way the story is told. The relationship between Roy and Silo boils down to "...Roy and Silo wound their necks around each other. Their keeper Mr. Gramzay noticed the two penguins and thought to himself, 'They must be in love.'" (p. 11).

Most of the story though is about families of all different types who either live at the zoo or come to visit the zoo. There is discussion (with lovely illustrations by Henry Cole) of the two penguins building a rock nest and watching their rock egg and later of Tango's egg hatching.

The language used in the book is completely appropriate for preschool and elementary school aged children. There's no agenda to the book; it's just a sweet story about families and penguins

maride

the most beautiful 20 minutes in my life, i cried a lot... the new generation of kids need these books in their life

Caroline Lewicki

An absolutely adorable book about two male penguins who love each other and want to have a little penguin of their own like the other penguin families! This book is so delightful and to know it's a true story makes it even better. It's a bit lengthy for storytime, but one I'd absolutely recommend on best picture book lists or great LGBTQ+ picture book lists.

Sandaru Ravihari

A sweet little story about how mother nature has proven some conventions do not need to remain the same forever. You still could be different and be accepted.

And Tango Makes Three

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