And Tango Makes Three, written by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, and illustrated by Henry Cole, is a children’s picture book about two male penguins that hatch and raise a baby penguin. This 2000 book is a true story that happened in the Central Park zoo in New York City.
Roy and Silo live together in the penguin house with all the other penguin families. They did everything together.
They didn’t pay much attention to the female penguins, and the females paid little attention to them. Roy and Silo behaved like a couple, doing the same things that the male and female couples did.
They watched as the other couples took turns sitting on an egg, keeping it warm, until a baby penguin
broke out of the shell. But Roy and Silo had no egg to sit on; no baby to feed and love.
One day Roy found something that looked like an egg, but was really a rock. He brought it home, and he and Silo took turns sitting on it, like they saw the other penguin couples do. But, of course, nothing happened.
Their keeper, Mr. Gramzay, had been watching them, and when he found an egg that needed to be cared for, he put it in their nest.
Roy and Silo took good care of their egg. They took turns sitting on it and keeping it warm.
This time, something did happen! One day they heard peeping sounds. A hole appeared in the egg shell, and soon Roy and Silo had their very own baby!
Mr. Gramzay named her Tango, “because it takes two to make a Tango”.
- Richardson, Justin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 36 Pages - 06/02/2015 (Publication Date) - Little Simon (Publisher)
And Tango Makes Three is not a made-up story. This actually happened. On the last page of the book is an “Author’s Note” which states that all of the events in the story are true.
I think it’s a beautiful, heart-warming story. It’s also a wonderful way to introduce young children to the idea that all families are not alike, and that is okay.
As long as babies – animal or human – are cared for and loved, that is what’s important.
Not everyone sees it that way. There have been numerous attempts to remove this book from school and public libraries.
The book was said to be “unsuited to age group”. People also objected to “religious viewpoint”, and
“homosexuality“.
It has been right in the middle of culture war arguments about same-sex marriage, adoption, and homosexuality in animals.
Believing it exists in the animal kingdom doesn’t fit with the idea that it is a “lifestyle choice”, so people who think that way deny that there is such a thing as homosexuality. Period.
And Tango Makes Three was the most challenged book of 2006-2010 except for 2009 when it was the second
most challenged.
Why ‘And Tango Makes Three’ is a Controversial Children’s Book
| Reason for Ban | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Promotion of LGBTQ+ Representation | And Tango Makes Three presents the idea that love and family can come in many forms, including same-sex relationships. This has been seen as promoting a political agenda by some. |
| Depiction of Same-Sex Relationships | The book depicts a same-sex relationship between two male penguins, which has been deemed inappropriate by some. |
| Challenged as Obscene Material | And Tango Makes Three has been challenged as obscene material, with some claiming that it is not suitable for children. |
| Conflict with Religious or Cultural Beliefs | The book’s promotion of same-sex relationships may conflict with some individuals’ religious or cultural beliefs. |
And Tango Makes Three is a children’s book that tells the story of two male penguins in New York’s Central Park Zoo who raise a baby penguin together. The book, written by Justin Richardson and illustrated by Peter Parnell, has been highly popular since its publication in 2005. However, it has also been banned in several countries and remains one of the most frequently challenged children’s books in the United States.
The Plot and Characters
And Tango Makes Three is based on a true story and follows the lives of two penguins named Roy and Silo. The two penguins form a strong bond and eventually attempt to hatch a rock as if it were a real egg. When a zookeeper gives them a real egg to hatch, Roy and Silo successfully raise the baby penguin, Tango. The plot and characters of And Tango Makes Three are simple and straightforward, making it a great choice for young readers.
Writing Style and Pacing
The writing style of And Tango Makes Three is clear and concise, making it easy for young readers to understand and follow along. The pacing is steady, with the focus on the development of the relationship between Roy, Silo, and Tango. This makes the story feel real and relatable, while still maintaining its magical qualities. The writing style and pacing of And Tango Makes Three is consistent with other books in the same genre, making it a great choice for young readers.
Themes and Messages
One of the main themes of And Tango Makes Three is the importance of love and family. The book presents the idea that love and family can come in many forms, including same-sex relationships. This theme has been controversial for some, who believe that the book promotes a political agenda. However, the themes and messages in And Tango Makes Three are important for children to learn and understand, as they promote tolerance and understanding.
Context and Comparison
And Tango Makes Three is one of many books that promote LGBTQ+ representation in children’s literature. When compared to other books by the same authors, it is clear that And Tango Makes Three is a unique and powerful book that should be recognized for its contributions to the field of children’s literature.
What is the moral of And Tango Makes Three?
The moral of And Tango Makes Three is that love knows no bounds and family can come in many forms. In the book, two male penguins, Roy and Silo, form a bond and raise a chick together, proving that love is not limited to just traditional male-female relationships. This message is particularly important for children, who are still learning about themselves and the world around them. By showcasing a diverse representation of love and family, And Tango Makes Three helps to promote acceptance and inclusivity.
However, despite its positive message, And Tango Makes Three has been banned and challenged in many communities due to its promotion of same-sex relationships. Some people believe that the book is not suitable for children and that it promotes a political agenda. Others argue that the depiction of same-sex relationships is obscene and that it conflicts with religious or cultural beliefs. These challenges and bans are a testament to the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and representation.
Despite the controversy, And Tango Makes Three remains a beloved and popular book for many families. Its message of love and acceptance resonates with readers of all ages, and its depiction of a diverse family structure provides a much-needed representation for children from all backgrounds. For these families, the book is a source of comfort and a celebration of love in all its forms. In a world where acceptance and inclusivity are still being fought for, And Tango Makes Three is a reminder that love will always conquer hate. So, let’s spread the love and keep reading!
And Tango Makes Three: Inspiring Quotes from the Controversial Children’s Book
And Tango Makes Three is a children’s book that tells the story of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, who form a bond and raise a chick together. Despite its positive representation of LGBTQ+ families, the book has been banned and challenged in some communities for its promotion of same-sex relationships and depiction of such relationships as appropriate for children. However, the book remains a beloved and popular choice for many families, inspiring readers with its message of love and acceptance.
Here are some of the most inspiring quotes from And Tango Makes Three:
“Love makes a family.”
This quote highlights the book’s message that love is the most important factor in building a family, regardless of gender or relationship status. By showing a diverse representation of love and family, And Tango Makes Three helps to promote acceptance and inclusivity for all.
“Different is normal.”
This quote acknowledges that every family is unique and that there is no one “right” way to form a family. By showcasing a same-sex relationship in a positive light, the book promotes the idea that different is normal and that all families should be celebrated.
“Love is love.”
This quote is a simple yet powerful message that love knows no bounds. Love is not limited by gender, race, or culture, and this message is particularly important for children, who are still learning about themselves and the world around them. By promoting love in all its forms, And Tango Makes Three helps to create a more inclusive and accepting world.
“We may be different, but we’re still family.”
This quote emphasizes the idea that what makes a family is love, not similarity. Despite their differences, Roy and Silo’s love for each other and their chick makes them a family, just like any other.
“Our family may be small, but it’s full of love.”
This quote highlights the idea that size doesn’t matter when it comes to families. It doesn’t take a big family to create a warm and loving home, and And Tango Makes Three shows this through the bond between Roy, Silo, and their chick.
“It doesn’t matter who you love, as long as you love.”
This quote speaks to the book’s message of love being the most important thing. It doesn’t matter who someone loves, as long as love is present, it will create a strong and healthy family. By promoting this message, And Tango Makes Three helps to promote acceptance and inclusivity for all families, no matter what form they take.
“A family is made up of those who love and care for each other.”
This quote highlights the most important aspect of a family: love. Whether it’s a traditional family, a same-sex couple, or any other form of family, as long as love and care are present, it’s a family. By showcasing this message in a children’s book, And Tango Makes Three helps to promote acceptance and inclusivity for all types of families.
Which One Will You Love More: A Side-by-Side Comparison of And Tango Makes Three and Other Works by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
And Tango Makes Three is a children’s book written by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell that has sparked controversy due to its depiction of a same-sex penguin couple. But how does it compare to other works by the same authors? In this table, we’ll take a closer look at the similarities and differences in themes, content, and reception of some of Richardson and Parnell’s other novels.
| Book Title | Themes | Content | Reception |
|---|---|---|---|
| And Tango Makes Three | Family, Love, Inclusivity | Depiction of a same-sex penguin couple and their chick | Controversial, banned in some areas |
| The Stork and the Beanstalk | Family, Growth, Friendship | A stork helps a bean grow into a towering beanstalk | Positive reception, well-received by readers and critics |
| The Great Sperm Race | Biology, Reproduction | Depiction of the journey of sperm to fertilize an egg | Positive reception, educational value appreciated by parents and teachers |
| The Forever Thoughts of Skyler Lee | Coming of Age, Friendship, Family | A young boy learns about life, love, and loss | Positive reception, praised for its heartwarming story and relatable characters. |
People Who Love And Tango Makes Three Will Also Adore These Books!
If you’re a fan of And Tango Makes Three and its depiction of a same-sex penguin couple and their journey to parenthood, then you’ll love these similar books. From children’s books about diverse families to LGBTQ+-themed novels, this table highlights books that you may also enjoy.
| Book Title | Themes | Content | Reception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heather Has Two Mommies | Family, Inclusivity, LGBTQ+ | Depiction of a girl with two moms and her life experiences | Positive reception, well-received by readers and critics |
| And Then There Were None | Family, Inclusivity, Diversity | Depiction of a multiracial and diverse family | Positive reception, praised for its representation and celebration of different family structures |
| King & King | Family, Love, LGBTQ+ | Depiction of a prince who falls in love with another prince | Positive reception, praised for its representation and inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters in children’s literature |
| Harvey Milk: His Lives and Death | LGBTQ+, Political, Historical | Biography of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California | Positive reception, praised for its historical significance and representation of LGBTQ+ rights activism. |
FAQ
What is And Tango Makes Three about?
And Tango Makes Three is a children's picture book that tells the story of two male penguins who raise a baby penguin together.
Why has And Tango Makes Three been banned?
And Tango Makes Three has been banned in some communities due to controversy surrounding its depiction of a same-sex relationship and promotion of homosexuality, which some groups consider to be inappropriate for children.
Why are some people against And Tango Makes Three?
Some people are against And Tango Makes Three because they feel that it promotes an LGBT agenda and is not suitable for children.
What are the reasons for banning And Tango Makes Three?
The reasons for banning And Tango Makes Three include concerns about promoting homosexuality and challenging traditional family values, as well as objections to the book's political and social message.
Why is And Tango Makes Three considered controversial?
And Tango Makes Three is considered controversial because it tells the story of two male penguins raising a baby together, which goes against traditional ideas of what a family should look like.
Why is And Tango Makes Three a banned book?
And Tango Makes Three is a banned book because it is perceived by some groups to be inappropriate for children due to its depiction of a same-sex relationship.
What are the arguments for keeping And Tango Makes Three in libraries?
Arguments for keeping And Tango Makes Three in libraries include promoting diversity and inclusivity, encouraging children to develop empathy and respect for others, and the right to free speech and access to information.
What are the arguments against keeping And Tango Makes Three in libraries?
Arguments against keeping And Tango Makes Three in libraries include concerns that it promotes an LGBT agenda and is not appropriate for children, as well as objections to the book's political and social message.
Why has And Tango Makes Three been challenged in schools?
And Tango Makes Three has been challenged in schools because some individuals or groups object to its depiction of a same-sex relationship and feel that it is inappropriate for children.
What is the impact of And Tango Makes Three being banned?
The impact of And Tango Makes Three being banned is that it restricts access to information and stifles diversity and inclusivity, especially for children who may not have access to diverse perspectives on families and relationships.
What is the message of And Tango Makes Three?
The message of And Tango Makes Three is about the importance of love and commitment, regardless of gender, and the diverse ways in which families can be formed.
In conclusion, And Tango Makes Three is a great choice for young readers, as it presents important themes and messages in a clear and concise writing style. The controversy surrounding the book only serves to highlight its significance and impact on the children’s literature landscape. While some may find the book’s themes and messages to be controversial, it is important for children to learn about and understand different perspectives and experiences. Overall, And Tango Makes Three is a well-written, well-illustrated, and thought-provoking book that should be included in any young reader’s library.
- Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32618.And_Tango_Makes_Three) – Check out what fellow readers are saying about this book and join in on the conversation. You’ll find reviews, ratings, and even some thought-provoking discussions.
- American Library Association (https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/childrensbooks/andtangomakesthree) – Learn more about why this book is banned in some places and why it’s so important for children to have access to diverse and inclusive literature.
- National Education Association (https://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/and-tango-makes-three-tolerance-and-diversity) – Discover lesson plans and resources that help educators teach tolerance and diversity to children through the lens of this powerful story.
So, grab a cup of tea and settle in for a delightful journey through the world of And Tango Makes Three. Who knows, you might just learn a thing or two!