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And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

  • Writer: kmayusd
    kmayusd
  • Aug 2, 2019
  • 2 min read

illustrated by Henry Cole


LGBTQ+


Evaluation of Book


Roy and Silo are two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who became a couple in 1998. Their chick, Tango, was born from an egg laid by another pair of penguins at the Zoo. Rob Gramzey, a zookeeper, gave the egg to Roy and Silo to care for it. Through this story the author shows that there are different kinds of families just like Roy and Silo who cared for Tango.


The watercolor illustrations used in the story are very appropriate as penguins spend much of their time in the water. The soft and pleasing blues, grays and browns are a nice contrast to the black and white penguins. The mood of the book through the illustrations is soft and loving just as a child wants from their own family. Visually, the illustrations complement the text. They help the reader see the story unfold and anticipate what might happen next.


The themes represented in this story are predominate in children’s literature. Acceptance, tolerance, family and love are all messages shared in this book. In today’s society there are many views of family and this book shares an alternate family that is both loving and accepting.


https://booklife.com/image-factory/http/localhost/amazongetcover/9780689878459.jpg/w204.jpg


Response


In choosing this book, I was excited to see that it was based on a true story. I was also excited because I visited Central Park Zoo a couple of years after it was published. I don’t remember anything about the story or the penguin couple which would have been interesting to know during my visit.


I appreciate that the author included an informational page at the end of the book. However, it might have been nice if an actual photograph of Roy, Silo and Tango had been included. It would help make the story real for the reader as well as provide an accurate picture of a chinstrap penguin.


Conclusion


This popular but controversial book provides a picture of what some modern day families look like. I think it’s important for readers to be exposed to different kinds of families. I don’t think that I would read the book to the whole class, as I fear I would have many parents challenge the story line. However, I do believe there is a need for this book in my school library.


Citation


Richardson, J., Parnell, P., & Cole, H. (2015). And Tango makes three. New York, NY: Little Simon.

 
 
 

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