Review: 'And Tango Makes Three' by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

And Tango Makes Three
By Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Illustrated by Henry Cole
ISBN-10: 0689878451
ISBN-13: 978-0689878459
Hardcover, 32 pages
April 26, 2005
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

An encompassing introduction to diversity among families, And Tango Makes Three is the tale of Roy and Silo, two male chinstrap penguins that became inseparable in New York's Central Park Zoo. Roy and Silo imitated all of the rituals and responsibilities of male/female penguin couples. Eventually, they were even able to hatch their own adopted egg with the assistance of their keeper, Mr. Gramzay. He provided the penguins with an extra egg that another penguin couple would be unable to care for. Little Tango was the first penguin hatchling in the Central Park Zoo to have two fathers.

This is an inspiring true story that teaches children about different types of families. No one doubts Roy and Silo's ability to raise a chick, despite their obvious deviance from traditional penguin mating rituals. Tango is a chick that would not have had a chance at life without her adoptive fathers' careful attendance. Children and adults alike can visit Tango and her family in the zoo as an extension of the book.

Simple, yet endearing illustrations highlight this children's book for ages four to eight. Roy and Silo have so much to teach about love and life. Since its release in 2005, And Tango Makes Three has faced opposition and censorship due to its controversial nature. It made the top of the ALA's 2006 list of most challenged books.

I would love to pass on my beautiful hardcover copy of And Tango Makes Three. If you would like the chance to win it, post a comment to this review by 11:59PM EST Sunday, February 10th, 2008. One winner will be chosen at random to receive my copy. Please make sure you include an email address where you can be contacted in the event you are the winner. Good luck!

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