Parents' Guide to

And Tango Makes Three

By Tracy Moore, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Touching love story of male penguins teaches acceptance.

Book Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell Picture Book 2015
And Tango Makes Three Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 2 parent reviews

MomTeachRead
MomTeachRead Adult
May 16, 2019
age 5+

Controversy for all the wrong reasons

This book consistently garners reviews from angry people who insist that it's about gay penguins. I also frequently see them getting their facts wrong. The two male penguins wanting to raise a chick together is NOT uncommon, nor were they somehow made to do it. Yes they were broken up as a pair later, by more aggressive penguins. Nevermind...this is not about "gay" penguins at all, but about showing children that there are many different kinds of families out there; do you really want your kids being the bullies who gawk and point? I'm sure the author thought this was safe material since it's a TRUE STORY that drew much positive attention, but some people just can't get past their own insistence on making everything political.

This title has:

Educational value
jedboston
jedboston Adult
August 10, 2018
age 5+

Excellent book about families

This book is an excellent choice for helping explain the diverse make-up of families today. It provides an age appropriate story that illustrates tolerance and how a family is based in love and caring.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Roy and Silo are two inseparable chinstrap penguins. After zookeepers notice they do everything together, just like all the boy-girl penguin couples, they soon realize they, too, are trying to build a nest to start a family. So the zookeepers help Roy and Silo find a way to start their very own family, by letting them nurture and raise the offspring of another penguin couple from the time its an egg.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (4):

This heartwarming story underscores the universal way families form around love and shows that some families who can't have babies of their own adopt. All this is told through delicate watercolor renderings that show zoo life as happy and content -- and animal love that's as sweet as human love.

Its powerful message of acceptance will help readers see that though families may look very different form one another, they share the same basic goals and bonds and that communities help kids and families thrive. Families may want to use AND TANGO MAKES THREE to introduce the concept of same-sex relationships in an age-appropriate way.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about And Tango Makes Three's love story. Do you know any kids with two dads? How are their families the same as or different from yours?

  • How do the zookeepers know Roy and Silo are in love?

  • Which other parents help take care of you? What sort of "village" helps raise you and any brothers or sisters?

Book Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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