And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. Illustrated by Henry Cole

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Richardson, Justin and Parnell, Peter. 2005.  And Tango Makes Three. Illustrated by Henry Cole. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0-689-87845-1


SUMMARY
This picture book for young children is based on the true story of Roy and Silo, two male Chinstrap Penguins in the New York Central Park Zoo. The zookeeper saw Roy and Silo bowing and singing to each other and he thought "They must be in love."  When the zookeeper saw Silo put an egg-shaped rock on the nest they made together, he realized Roy and Silo wanted a baby of their own. The zookeeper gave them an egg that needed to be cared for and the new baby penguin was named Tango.  Now Roy and Silo had their own family, just like all the other families.


CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell's And Tango Makes Three has won many awards and accolades, including a 2005 American Librarian Association Notable Children's Book, the 2005 ASPCA's Henry Bergh Award, the 2006 Gustavus Meyer Outstanding Book Award,the 2006 Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Book of the Year, 2006 Bank Street Best Book of the Year,  the 2006 Cooperative Children's Book Council Choice and the CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book, a 2006 Lambda Literary Award finalist and shortlisted in 2008 for the Sheffield Children's Book Award. 

The books theme of adoption and homosexuality in animals has led And Tango Makes Three to be one of the most challenged or banned books since its publication in 2005.  However, Richardson and Parnell have written a touching story about partners who want a family. Authors, Richardson, a M.D. and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia and Cornell, and Parnell approach the themes in a calm and unobtrusive manner. Children will love this story which is a tender commentary on how different families are created.  

Henry Cole's soft brown, green, and blue watercolors have a calming influence and gently illustrate penguins and their families in their home environment.  Cole beautifully illustrates the penguins emotion of love that parents offer their children which will resonate with young children. 

For ages 3-7.

REVIEWS
"Tango has two daddies in this heartwarming tale, inspired by actual events in New York's Central Park Zoo. ... Cole's (The Sissy Duckling) endearing watercolors follow the twosome as they frolic affectionately in several vignettes and then try tirelessly to start a family-first they build a stone nest and then they comically attempt to hatch a rock. Their expressive eyes capture a range of moods within uncluttered, pastel-hued scenes dominated by pale blue…. Older readers will most appreciate the humor inherent in her name plus the larger theme of tolerance at work in this touching tale. Richardson and Parnell, making their children's book debut, ease into the theme from the start, mentioning that "families of all kinds" visit the zoo. This tender story can also serve as a gentle jumping-off point for discussions about same-sex partnerships in human society." Ages 4-8. --Publishers Weekly


PreS-Gr 3-"This tale based on a true story about a charming penguin family living in New York City's Central Park Zoo will capture the hearts of penguin lovers everywhere. ... Done in soft watercolors, the illustrations set the tone for this uplifting story, and readers will find it hard to resist the penguins' comical expressions. The well-designed pages perfectly marry words and pictures, allowing readers to savor each illustration. An author's note provides more information about Roy, Silo, Tango, and other chinstrap penguins. This joyful story about the meaning of family is a must for any library." --School Library Journal

"In this true, straightforwardly (so to speak) delivered tale, two male chinstrap penguins at New York City's Central Park Zoo bond, build a nest and-thanks to a helping hand from an observant zookeeper-hatch and raise a penguin chick. ...Cole gives the proud parents and their surrogate offspring small smiles, but otherwise depicts figures and setting with tidy, appealing accuracy. ... this doesn't carry its agenda on its shoulder; readers may find its theme of acceptance even more convincing for being delivered in such a matter of fact, non-preachy way." (afterword) (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-9) --Kirkus Reviews


CONNECTIONS
*Children may also enjoy Henry Cole's other illustrated book: 
     -Fierstein, Harvey. The Sissy Duckling. Ill by Henry Cole. ISBN 9781416903130

*For other books on penguins: 
     -Simon, Seymour. Penguins (Smithsonian). ISBN 9780064462218
     -Tatham, Betty. Penguin Chick (Let's read and find out-Science). Ill. by Helen K. David. ISBN 9780064452069
     -Gibbon, Gail. Penguins! ISBN 9780823415168

*More books on different kinds of families for young children: 
     -Parr, Todd.  We belong together: A book about adoption and families. ISBN 9780316016683
     -Richmond, Marianne. I wished for you: An adoption story. ISBN 9781934082065
     -Newman, Leslea. Mommy, Mama, and me. Ill. by Carol Thompson. ISBN 9781582462631
     -Harris, Robie H. Who's in my family? All about our families. ISBN 9780763636312