And Tango Makes Three
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And Tango Makes Three is a heartwarming non-fiction picture book for children, inspired by the true story of two male chinstrap penguins, Roy and Silo, at New York's Central Park Zoo. The story depicts Roy and Silo forming a pair bond, building a nest, and with the help of a kind zookeeper, Mr. Gramsay, successfully hatching and raising a baby penguin named Tango. The book's central theme celebrates diverse family structures, focusing on the love and devotion that define a family. Targeted at children aged 3 to 8, it aims to introduce young readers to the concept of non-traditional families and promote inclusivity. While widely praised for its positive message and gentle narrative, the book has also been a subject of considerable controversy and frequent challenges due to its portrayal of a same-sex couple raising a child.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The book explicitly features a same-sex male penguin couple, Roy and Silo, who form a pair bond, build a nest, and raise a chick named Tango, thus depicting a non-traditional family structure. This representation is central to the book's narrative and has been the primary reason for frequent challenges and bans, often sparking discussions about same-sex parenting and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The story is a fictionalized account based on real penguins.
The book illustrates Roy and Silo, two male chinstrap penguins, who "fell in love" and "did everything together," including bowing and swimming, just like the other male and female penguin couples. When they observe other penguins hatching eggs, Roy and Silo show a desire for a family by attempting to hatch a rock. The zookeeper, Mr. Gramsay, then provides them with a fertile egg, which they successfully hatch, and their daughter is named Tango, becoming "the very first penguin in the zoo to have two daddies".
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 4-8. This recommendation aligns with the publisher's suggested age range, and the simple narrative and illustrations are suitable for preschoolers and early elementary school children. The book's themes of family and acceptance are presented in an easy-to-understand manner for this age group, though parental guidance is often advised due to its controversial nature.
Good to Know
This book has been historically one of the most challenged and banned books in U.S. libraries and schools since its publication, primarily due to its LGBTQ+ themes and depiction of a same-sex couple raising a child. While presented as a simple story about family, it often becomes a focal point in broader cultural debates about LGBTQ+ representation and parental rights in education. Parents should be aware of its potential to initiate discussions about diverse family structures. There are no known sequels or direct adaptations that intensify or change the content, as it remains a standalone picture book.
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