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    And Tango Makes Three
    And Tango Makes Three
    And Tango Makes Three
    Audiobook8 minutes

    And Tango Makes Three

    Written by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

    Narrated by Neil Patrick Harris

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    The heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family is now available in a sturdy board book edition.

    At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo got the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own.

    In time for the tenth anniversary of And Tango Makes Three, this Classic Board Book edition is the perfect size for small hands.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSimon & Schuster Audio
    Release dateJun 2, 2015
    ISBN9781442386372
    And Tango Makes Three
    Author

    Justin Richardson

    Justin Richardson, MD, is the coauthor, with Peter Parnell, of the award-winning picture book And Tango Makes Three. Dr. Richardson is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia and Cornell and the coauthor of Everything You Never Wanted Your Kids to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid They’d Ask). Dr. Richardson and his advice have been featured in The New York Times and The Washington Post, on the Today show and NPR’s Morning Edition, and in numerous magazines. Dr. Richardson lectures to parents and teachers on parenting and the sexual development of children.

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    Reviews for And Tango Makes Three

    4.5/5

    173 ratings133 reviews

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    • 3/5
      Putting aside the firestorm of controversy that accompanied poor Tango this book is?okay. I wanted to really like this book, but have serious reservations. The biggest issue with Tango is its inexactitude. It wavers somewhere between fiction and nonfiction, and does not make clear what is what. There is clear anthropomorphizing going on in the text and illustrations, yet at the same time, the story of the two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo that hatched a chick together is true (and somewhat more information is given in a endnote at the back of the book.) The illustrations are sweet, and making a penguin anything other than cute is difficult, but overall they don?t stand out. The whole book was a little too sweet for me, and the emphasis on different kinds of families a little much. Which is a shame, because the story of Roy and Silo and Tango really is a great one, and deserves a really great picture book to go with it. We?ve moved past the point where we can applaud LGBTQ kid?s books for simply existing; it?s time to ask for books that are as well written and well-illustrated as well. However, if you do want to build your LGBTQ collection, this is (despite what critics say) a relatively harmless book to do it with.
    • 4/5
      Sweet little book, true story, about a pair of male penguins in Central Park Zoo that paired up and tried to raise a chick - brooding a rock, for instance. A keeper gave them a spare egg (second fertile egg laid by a penguin pair that usually managed to raise one), and they brooded and raised the chick successfully. Nice story. BTW - it's on the list of suggested banned books this year (2009) - sigh.
    • 5/5
      In response to comments about homosexuality being "unnatural," the authors present the true story of a couple of male penguins who are given an egg, hatch it and raise it, making one big happy family. An excellent book to read to children just noticing that someone might have two moms or two dads and great for parents wanting to present positive images of both straight and gay families. This book absolutly does not mention sex in any way-these are two guy penguins who like each other alot and really want to raise a baby penguin like they see other penguin couples doing.Adorable artwork, simple enough writing-good for read aloud or early readers, up through about 2nd grade (if kids know lots of gay people) or older (if the kids aren't ever introduced to gay people or couples).This book is worth defending in libraries.
    • 5/5
      This book gives readers a quick look at the penguins of the Central Park Zoo in New York. Children will love hearing about the goofy antics of the penguins and enjoy the happy ending. Adults can find the meaning of acceptance in the story.
    • 4/5
      Two boy penguins at the Central Park Zoo live with each other as a pair. Wanting an egg like the other penguins in the zoo the zookeeper finds an egg that needs a home for the pair. The pair do their duty to keep the egg warm and it finally hatches. They are a family even though it is nontraditional. In the classroom: story time, listening skills, addressing who makes up a family
    • 5/5
      I absolutely loved this book so much, mainly because of the main message that it sends to readers. I also loved how they introduced the topic, and stated that it was okay to be different, and that even though some animals are different, they are still capable of love, even though they are not the typical family. I like how they use penguins to represent gay families, and homosexuality in general. Humans are so judgmental and stereotypical that it is so different than other animals who support one another, and either have no gender, or love who they love. If humans were more like this, then we wouldn't have to fight for equal rights. However, this book does a great job in introducing these topics to students.
    • 5/5
      This book is based on a real story that took place in the Central Park Zoo. In the story, we learn all about the animals families that live at the Zoo. We are introduced to Roy and Silo, boy penguins that are best friends. They hang out together and ignore the girl penguins. When mating season comes, Roy and Silo build a nest and behave as if they were hatching a chick. They put a rock in the nest that looks like an egg, but it does not hatch. One of the zoo keepers notices this and puts an egg in their nest. Roy and Silo sit on the nest until the egg until it hatches. It is a girl penguin and she is named Tango. The three penguins act like a family, swimming, eating, playing and sleeping together. They become famous and everyone wants to see them at the Central Park Zoo.I thought the story was very appealing and did a wonderful job tackling one of the toughest topics there is in the world right now: what makes a family? Can a family be two of the same sex? The author, by deciding to tell the story simply and accurately, has given us some food for thought. This is one of those books that are tricky to promote in the library. I originally bought the book in Spanish and then also purchased it in English. I just put it on display in the Everybody Section but didn?t promote the book. It has been checked out numerous times but I have not had a complaint about the content.
    • 5/5
      Amazing and adorable! I wish I knew about this book as a child!
    • 5/5
      ?And Tango Makes Three? was a touching book that exposes children to gay parents without using actual people. What I liked most about this book was the main message, that although someone may be gay it does not make them any different. This message was expressed when the author describe how Roy and Silo did everything the same as the other straight penguins. Also in the book, the illustrations to show how Tango's egg cracked was pretty neat. It showed the reader over time that Tango was about to come into the world. ?
    • 5/5
      The incredibly true story of two penguins in love! The illustrations are adorable and the story is charming.
    • 4/5
      Like the other penguin couples in New York City's Central Park Zoo, Roy and Silo enjoyed spending time together, and eventually made themselves a nest of rocks. But when those other couples began laying eggs and hatching penguin chicks, suddenly our penguin pair found themselves left out in the cold. No matter how they imitated the other couples, even going so far as trying to hatch a stone, they never ended up with a baby penguin to love. Then one of the penguin pairs laid two eggs, and the zookeeper decided to give Roy and Silo their chance at a family...Based upon true events, And Tango Makes Three chronicles the real-life adventures of two (and eventually three!) penguins at the Central Park Zoo. Because it has been interpreted as a story about same-sex parents (rightly, in my opinion), it has become one of the most challenged children's books in the United States. For my part, I thought it was a sweet little tale, one which fills a need, when it comes to depicting same-sax parents. I also found the watercolor artwork by Henry Cole immensely cute, and appreciated the way it captured Ray and Silo's emotional journey, as they long for and then eventually get a chick of their own. Recommended to anyone interested in challenged children's books, as well as to those looking for picture-books featuring same-sex parents.
    • 5/5
      and tango makes three embraces the idea that love is love and thats okay. Told with animals helps the reader see past identity and sex in love and makes them see love in its purest form. I think this is a good book to use in a situations when children are first introduced or come to a situation where they encounter a relationship of same-sex. I believe this book helps break down judgement and barriers that some children may have prior. I do not know if I would read this to a whole class unless a situation called for it, solely from personal beliefs. But I know I will encounter this is classrooms and have children who have same sex parents. This book would be a good tool to use to other students who don't understand or make fun of the child for her family. The book shows that the two penguins are the same as everyone and all the other penguin families. Hopefully a book like this can enlighten and enrich a student's knowledge about the world around them.
    • 3/5
      I recently attended a Banned Books Week Read-a-Thon, and was asked to read this small volume as part of the Read-a-Thon. The book is about the true story of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, who formed a six year relationship at the Central Park Zoo. When zoo keepers noticed them trying to hatch a rock as if it were an egg, the zoo keepers gave them the second egg from another pair to hatch, which they did successfully, raising the female, named Tango, as their own.And Tango Makes Three is a simplified version of this story, to teach children that not all families are made up the same way. The accompanying illustrations were cute and went well with the tone of the story.The book was banned for obvious reasons; gay penguins are going to pervert America's youth, you know. I think the story was well presented, showing that there is nothing wrong with gay parenting, and that if the penguins can do it, and do it well, that it really can't be all that bad, can it? A good book for parents, gay and straight alike, to read to their children, to help open their eyes at a young age to this fact and show there is nothing wrong with families that may be looked on as being "different."
    • 3/5
      ?And Tango makes three? is a book with a lot of controversy around it, so of course I was intrigued to see what the big deal was. I was expecting there to be far less controversial material in actuality (as is often the case), but I could see where a lot of people would get their feathers ruffled (no pun intended) about this book. Basically, the book tells the story of two male penguins in the Central Park zoo who show no interest in the female penguins but spend their time together as a female-male couple would. The only difference is that the nest they built is empty. When an opportunity arises for the two penguins to care for an egg, they do and Tango is born. This basic plot doesn?t really seem all that controversial to me, but I can see how the language can really get some people riled up (i.e., the zookeeper looks at the two male penguins and thinks ?they must be in love?). So, if homosexuality (or the idea of explaining homosexuality to your child) bothers you, then steer clear of this book. However, if you?re looking for an age-appropriate way to explain homosexual couples/families to your child, this book is the perfect tool for opening up that conversation.
    • 5/5
      Based on the true story of some penguins at the New York Zoo, this book is a moving and delightful introduction to the idea of alternative families. The wonderful illustrations and straight-forward approach to the story make this book an excellent choice for story-time at home or in school. The current popularity of penguins and their gosh-darned cuteness make them an excellent choice to introduce young children to the idea that not every family is the same. I was delighted to learn that the story is true, and know children will want to learn more about Tango and her family; I hope a sequel is in the works!
    • 5/5
      ?And Tango Makes Three is the true story of Roy and Silo, two chinstrap penguins in the Central Park Zoo who hatch an egg together to create a new variety of penguin family-one with two dads! Richardson and Parnell have created a plot that is simple enough for young readers to follow, with characters whose intentions interesting and evoke empathy, all helped along by Henry Cole?s peaceful and happy watercolor illustrations. The authors treatment of the content is valuable and respectful-focusing not on the oddness of Tango?s family but instead on the joy of creating a family, and are careful not to veer off into a lesson about acceptance. Recommended for any youth picture book collection.
    • 5/5
      I loved this book as well. I don't see why we shouldn't read these types of books to our kids. It can help them with an acceptance of equality and that a family can come in different forms. What I love about it, is that this story is true. Although it may cause trouble with some parents because of the concept of two males loving each other, I would still want to show children that there will be families out there that are like these three penguins and that we shouldn't look at them as if they are an odd family. I think children are more understanding than adults.
    • 4/5
      This picture book was truly an enjoyable read. Based off a true story of an unconventional penguin couple, the illustrations and text present a heart warming story that to have a family all you need is love.
    • 5/5
      I was thoroughly impressed with this story. With all of the criticism that came regarding the themes within the story, I was expecting something completely different. Authors Richardson and Parnell tell the true story of Central Park Zoo penguins Roy and Silo. Roy and Silo fall in penguin love and become partners. One of the zoo keepers gives them an egg that another couple is unable to care for, and Roy and Silo care for the egg and the penguin baby (Tango) that is born out of it. The story is open minded and modern - a great story for children of all ages.
    • 5/5
      This book walks the reader through the real life love-story of two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo. The book discusses all of the different ways a loving family can look, and then talks about how the two penguins made their own family when the zoo keepers gave them a foster-egg of their own. The themes are love, family, human-animal compassion, and the strength in being different. I really connected with the way the book discussed different styles of families, as this is a really good way to broach the ways in which we are all different with students.
    • 5/5
      This enchanting tale based on a true story, from the Central Park Zoo, illustrates diversity within the modern family as well as the natural instincts of parenting. Introducing the reader first to all the different kinds of families that can be found at the zoo, the authors, Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell state the commonality of relationships between a male and a female. After moving to the penguin house however, they become more descriptive about a relationship between two boy penguins and how they wanted to become a family. While explaining the need for a mother and a father in order to reproduce, it becomes evident that the penguins Roy and Silo would be unable to make a family no matter how hard they tried. Touching on the controversial issue of same sex adoption, Richardson and Parnell approach the topic in a delicate manner. The concept of an egg that needed to be taken care of removes the immediate concern of a child being placed in unknown hands. Only after the egg is looked after over a long period of time in a lovingly devoted manner are the penguins able to see their baby girl hatching. The wonderful illustrations by Henry Cole assist with a visual interpretation of the story, as the penguins are brought to life and display their emotions for one another in a way that can be effortlessly understood by the viewer. This book can be useful for public and school librarians alike. Wile the story is about penguins and not people, they can act as a neutral element for beginning discussions about homosexuality and same sex families. This book can help children to understand that all families are different and that it does not make them any less of a family if there are two parents of the same gender. Additionally, possibly used as a prelude to visiting the zoo, children will be able to see families of all kinds when they visit.
    • 5/5
      I thought the art and story line were great. I remember reading about these penguins in the paper.
    • 3/5
      I read this book to see why anyone could possibly ban a children's book. It's jsut a simple story about too male penguins raising an abandoned egg at the New York City Central park zoo. Interestingly enough, it's a true story.
    • 4/5
      This is a very cute book about two homosexual penguins who want a baby of their own. I would not personally go and read this book to my child. However, if he/she came home and was talking negative about another person being homosexual, I would not hesitate to grab this book to teach him/her that it is okay to be gay.
    • 5/5
      I absolutely loved reading And Tango Makes Three. I loved this book because of the illustrations and the characterization of Roy and Silo. The illustrations were unique because there were multiple separate illustrations on each page. For example, there was one page showing many animals in various pictures. Some of the animals included a red panda, toucans, and monkeys. This variety in the illustrations really adds excitement and color to the storyline. I also loved the characterization of Roy and Silo. I thought they were great because they displayed such an innocence and love for one another. They both did not understand why they were different from the other penguins. The two male penguins just knew they loved each other and wanted a family. I especially love when all the penguins are warming their eggs while Roy and Silo watch in confusion. The main message I took from this story is that everyone deserves a family and everyone deserves to be loved regardless of any differences they may have from others.
    • 5/5
      Book about being a family with two Dads. True Story about two male penguins in Central Park Zoo. These two penguins formed a bond and try very hard to have a baby. When the zoo keeper realizes another penguin can only take care of one of her two eggs. The zoo keeper gives the two males an egg to Take care of until it hatches. Tango makes three.
    • 4/5
      This book is based off of the true story of penguins in the New York Zoo. This two male penguins fall in love, and after there is some reason a mother can't raise their baby, Tango (as an egg) is given to these two male penguins to raise. They do, eventually Tango hatches, and now there are three of them in their New York, non-traditional penguin family.
    • 5/5
      This is the true story of two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo who became a couple and hatched and raised a baby penguin. This introduces the subject of alternative families in a sensitive, age-appropriate way.
    • 5/5
      Loved this book that shows the diversities of real life- and not just human life but animal life as well. A cute story for small children learning about the different types of families.
    • 5/5
      This is a lovely little book about a real life penguin family in New York's Central Park Zoo. The pictures are endearing, and the dads, Roy and Silo, are presented as competent, loving parents. Why anyone would want to ban such a positive view of family life is beyond me. I guess an increase in the young homosexual suicide rate is their goal.Since the writing of the book Roy and Silo have split up. Silo found a female penguin to bond with, Roy found another male. I don't know what happened to Tango, but I imagine she's doing well.