Summary
Two male
penguins live in the Central Park Zoo.
They eventually become inseparable, swimming together,
playing together, and creating a nest to sleep in together. They are
sad when they realize they cannot lay an egg like the other penguin couples.
One of the zoo keepers notice this. He gives them an egg to care
for after another family of penguins has two and can only care for one.
The two fathers do a great job of hatching and caring for the young
penguin.
Bibliographic Citation
Richardson, J.
& Parnell, P. (2005). And tango makes three. New York; Simon & Schuster
Books for Young Readers.
Personal Impressions
This was a very
uniquely and well written book. The idea that families can look different
is portrayed in an easy to understand way for young readers. The
introduction that shows many "traditional" family units of animals is
both engaging to read and illustrated nicely.
Reviews
Jennifer Mattson (Booklist,
May 15, 2005 (Vol. 101, No. 18))
Roy and Silo were "a little bit different" from the other male penguins: instead of noticing females, they noticed each other. Thus penguin chick Tango, hatched from a fertilized egg given to the pining, bewildered pair, came to be "the only penguin in the Central Park Zoo with two daddies." As told by Richardson and Parnell (a psychiatrist and playwright), this true story remains firmly within the bounds of the zoo's polar environment, as do Cole's expressive but still realistic watercolors (a far cry from his effete caricatures in Harvey Fierstein's The Sissy Duckling, 2002). Emphasizing the penguins' naturally ridiculous physiques while gently acknowledging their situation, Cole's pictures complement the perfectly cadenced text--showing, for example, the bewildered pair craning their necks toward a nest that was "nice, but a little empty." Indeed, intrusions from the zookeeper, who remarks that the nuzzling males "must be in love," strike the narrative's only false note. Further facts about the episode conclude, but it's naive to expect this will be read only as a zoo anecdote. However, those who share this with children will find themselves returning to it again and again--not for the entree it might offer to matters of human sexuality, but for the two irresistible birds at its center and for the celebration of patient, loving fathers who "knew just what to do." Category: Books for the Young--Fiction. 2
Roy and Silo were "a little bit different" from the other male penguins: instead of noticing females, they noticed each other. Thus penguin chick Tango, hatched from a fertilized egg given to the pining, bewildered pair, came to be "the only penguin in the Central Park Zoo with two daddies." As told by Richardson and Parnell (a psychiatrist and playwright), this true story remains firmly within the bounds of the zoo's polar environment, as do Cole's expressive but still realistic watercolors (a far cry from his effete caricatures in Harvey Fierstein's The Sissy Duckling, 2002). Emphasizing the penguins' naturally ridiculous physiques while gently acknowledging their situation, Cole's pictures complement the perfectly cadenced text--showing, for example, the bewildered pair craning their necks toward a nest that was "nice, but a little empty." Indeed, intrusions from the zookeeper, who remarks that the nuzzling males "must be in love," strike the narrative's only false note. Further facts about the episode conclude, but it's naive to expect this will be read only as a zoo anecdote. However, those who share this with children will find themselves returning to it again and again--not for the entree it might offer to matters of human sexuality, but for the two irresistible birds at its center and for the celebration of patient, loving fathers who "knew just what to do." Category: Books for the Young--Fiction. 2
005,
Simon & Schuster, $14.95. PreS-Gr. 2. Starred Review
Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
We live in a time where the definition of family has changed dramatically. No longer do all children live in a Leave It To Beaver household with mom in an apron and dad singing, “I’m home” each evening as he returns to hearth and home. Families now--and, frankly, probably always did--come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and sexes and children need to see their own situations reflected in the books they read. And Tango Makes Three centers on a true story of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo that began to exhibit mating behaviors including building a nest. A cast-off egg was provided to them, they hatched it together, and a new family was born. What a wonderful example of a “different” family for children to read or hear. This story provides an easy way for children to see what family is: a group of supportive and loving members. Henry Cole’s pastel illustrations provide the warmth and coziness inherent in this story. 2005, Simon & Schuster, $14.95. Ages 4 to 7.
We live in a time where the definition of family has changed dramatically. No longer do all children live in a Leave It To Beaver household with mom in an apron and dad singing, “I’m home” each evening as he returns to hearth and home. Families now--and, frankly, probably always did--come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and sexes and children need to see their own situations reflected in the books they read. And Tango Makes Three centers on a true story of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo that began to exhibit mating behaviors including building a nest. A cast-off egg was provided to them, they hatched it together, and a new family was born. What a wonderful example of a “different” family for children to read or hear. This story provides an easy way for children to see what family is: a group of supportive and loving members. Henry Cole’s pastel illustrations provide the warmth and coziness inherent in this story. 2005, Simon & Schuster, $14.95. Ages 4 to 7.
Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
Here is a book that will be controversial even though it is based on fact. Two male penguins, Roy and Silo, become a couple at the Central Park Zoo. They spend time together, build a nest and try to incubate a rock when they see other penguin couples incubating eggs. They were unhappy until one day the zookeeper found a fertilized egg and put it in their nest. Roy and Silo knew just what to do and then one fine day a little chick emerged from the egg. They fed her, snuggled up with her at night and did everything any penguin couple would do. Their little girl was named Tango by the zookeeper “because it takes two to make a Tango.” For kids who live in homes with same sex partners, this book will be welcome, for those who are willing to accept homosexuality this book will be welcome, for those who believe that such behavior is abnormal , they will probably want the book banned from schools and libraries. Too bad, it is a true story; and it is well told and well illustrated. How Henry Cole manages to give the penguins personality and expression is a testament to his skill as an artist. Kids will enjoy the book, and I doubt that they will be concerned that Tango has two daddies. 2005, Simon & Schuster, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8.
Here is a book that will be controversial even though it is based on fact. Two male penguins, Roy and Silo, become a couple at the Central Park Zoo. They spend time together, build a nest and try to incubate a rock when they see other penguin couples incubating eggs. They were unhappy until one day the zookeeper found a fertilized egg and put it in their nest. Roy and Silo knew just what to do and then one fine day a little chick emerged from the egg. They fed her, snuggled up with her at night and did everything any penguin couple would do. Their little girl was named Tango by the zookeeper “because it takes two to make a Tango.” For kids who live in homes with same sex partners, this book will be welcome, for those who are willing to accept homosexuality this book will be welcome, for those who believe that such behavior is abnormal , they will probably want the book banned from schools and libraries. Too bad, it is a true story; and it is well told and well illustrated. How Henry Cole manages to give the penguins personality and expression is a testament to his skill as an artist. Kids will enjoy the book, and I doubt that they will be concerned that Tango has two daddies. 2005, Simon & Schuster, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8.
Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature)
And Tango Makes Three spotlights two exemplary dads from the animal kingdom. Co-authors Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell tell the true story of the chinstrap penguins Roy and Silo, of New York City’s Central Park Zoo, who became partners, built a nest, and even tried to hatch a rock. Noting this behavior, their keeper replaced the rock with a fertile egg. The two took turns warming the egg till it hatched a fuzzy chick named Tango--and then cared for the baby together. This endearing story celebrates the love of alternative families. Henry Cole brings his trademark gentle humor to the watercolor illustrations. Especially fun is the picture of the proud papas teaching their excited little one how to sing for her supper. 2005, Simon & Schuster, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8.
And Tango Makes Three spotlights two exemplary dads from the animal kingdom. Co-authors Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell tell the true story of the chinstrap penguins Roy and Silo, of New York City’s Central Park Zoo, who became partners, built a nest, and even tried to hatch a rock. Noting this behavior, their keeper replaced the rock with a fertile egg. The two took turns warming the egg till it hatched a fuzzy chick named Tango--and then cared for the baby together. This endearing story celebrates the love of alternative families. Henry Cole brings his trademark gentle humor to the watercolor illustrations. Especially fun is the picture of the proud papas teaching their excited little one how to sing for her supper. 2005, Simon & Schuster, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8.
CCBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Choices, 2006)
This groundbreaking picture book is based on the true story of a penguin chick being raised by two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo. Back in 1998, workers at the zoo noticed that two male penguins, Roy and Silo, had become a couple. They did all of the things that pairs of male and female penguins typically did—building a nest together, sleeping together, and spending all of their time with each other. When zookeeper Rob Gramzay observed that the two were sitting on an egg-shaped rock, he got an idea: he took an abandoned fertilized egg and placed it in Roy and Silo’s nest. The two took turns sitting on the egg until it hatched, and then they shared responsibility for taking care of the chick, named Tango by Gramzay. The straightforward simplicity of the narrative lends an understated eloquence to the story, which wisely refrains from humanizing the penguins. Henry Cole’s subtle use of ice blue contrasts nicely with the requisite predominance of black and white, and his shifting perspectives underscore the drama inherent in the story. The book concludes with an authors’ note that provides some additional information about the key players. CCBC Category: Picture Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers. 2005, Simon & Schuster, 32 pages, $14.95. Ages 3-6.
This groundbreaking picture book is based on the true story of a penguin chick being raised by two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo. Back in 1998, workers at the zoo noticed that two male penguins, Roy and Silo, had become a couple. They did all of the things that pairs of male and female penguins typically did—building a nest together, sleeping together, and spending all of their time with each other. When zookeeper Rob Gramzay observed that the two were sitting on an egg-shaped rock, he got an idea: he took an abandoned fertilized egg and placed it in Roy and Silo’s nest. The two took turns sitting on the egg until it hatched, and then they shared responsibility for taking care of the chick, named Tango by Gramzay. The straightforward simplicity of the narrative lends an understated eloquence to the story, which wisely refrains from humanizing the penguins. Henry Cole’s subtle use of ice blue contrasts nicely with the requisite predominance of black and white, and his shifting perspectives underscore the drama inherent in the story. The book concludes with an authors’ note that provides some additional information about the key players. CCBC Category: Picture Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers. 2005, Simon & Schuster, 32 pages, $14.95. Ages 3-6.
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, June 1, 2005 (Vol.
73, No. 11))
In this true, straightforwardly (so to speak) delivered tale, two male chinstrap penguins at New York City's Central Park Zoo bond, build a nest and-thanks to a helping hand from an observant zookeeper-hatch and raise a penguin chick. Seeing that the penguins dubbed Roy and Silo "did everything together. They bowed to each other. And walked together. They sang to each other. And swam together," their keeper, Mr. Gramzay, thinks, "They must be in love." And so, when Roy and Silo copy the other penguin couples and build a nest of stones, it's Gramzay who brings a neighboring couple's second egg for them to tend, then names the resulting hatchling "Tango." Cole gives the proud parents and their surrogate offspring small smiles, but otherwise depicts figures and setting with tidy, appealing accuracy. Unlike Harvey Fierstein's groundbreaking The Sissy Duckling (2002), also illustrated by Cole, this doesn't carry its agenda on its shoulder; readers may find its theme of acceptance even more convincing for being delivered in such a matter of fact, non-preachy way. (afterword) 2005, Simon & Schuster, 32p, $14.95. Category: Picture book/nonfiction. Ages 5 to 9. Starred Review. © 2005 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
In this true, straightforwardly (so to speak) delivered tale, two male chinstrap penguins at New York City's Central Park Zoo bond, build a nest and-thanks to a helping hand from an observant zookeeper-hatch and raise a penguin chick. Seeing that the penguins dubbed Roy and Silo "did everything together. They bowed to each other. And walked together. They sang to each other. And swam together," their keeper, Mr. Gramzay, thinks, "They must be in love." And so, when Roy and Silo copy the other penguin couples and build a nest of stones, it's Gramzay who brings a neighboring couple's second egg for them to tend, then names the resulting hatchling "Tango." Cole gives the proud parents and their surrogate offspring small smiles, but otherwise depicts figures and setting with tidy, appealing accuracy. Unlike Harvey Fierstein's groundbreaking The Sissy Duckling (2002), also illustrated by Cole, this doesn't carry its agenda on its shoulder; readers may find its theme of acceptance even more convincing for being delivered in such a matter of fact, non-preachy way. (afterword) 2005, Simon & Schuster, 32p, $14.95. Category: Picture book/nonfiction. Ages 5 to 9. Starred Review. © 2005 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
Allison Bernstein (Library Media Connection,
January 2006)
Based on a true story, this book tells about Silo and Roy, two male chinstrap penguins who befriend each other in the Central Park Zoo and do everything together that other penguin "couples" do, except have baby penguins. Until one day, the penguin keeper gives them an egg from a penguin couple that couldn't raise it themselves, which Silo and Roy lovingly hatch and raise on their own. Throughout the book, families-both human and animal-are mentioned doing similar things despite their superficial differences. Depending on your community, you may want to brace yourself for some objections, but what makes this story all the better is the fact that it is true. As the author notes, Roy and Silo did adopt Tango and can still be seen at the zoo playing together in the penguin tank. Attractive watercolor illustrations complement the text and playfully show the penguin couple making a nest, trying to hatch a rock, and raising their family together. Overall this is a straightforward story without being overtly about homosexuality, but rather focusing on the familial relationship of Roy and Silo and acceptance of others' differences. Recommended. 2005, Simon & Schuster, 32pp., $14.95 hc. Ages 6 to 9.
Based on a true story, this book tells about Silo and Roy, two male chinstrap penguins who befriend each other in the Central Park Zoo and do everything together that other penguin "couples" do, except have baby penguins. Until one day, the penguin keeper gives them an egg from a penguin couple that couldn't raise it themselves, which Silo and Roy lovingly hatch and raise on their own. Throughout the book, families-both human and animal-are mentioned doing similar things despite their superficial differences. Depending on your community, you may want to brace yourself for some objections, but what makes this story all the better is the fact that it is true. As the author notes, Roy and Silo did adopt Tango and can still be seen at the zoo playing together in the penguin tank. Attractive watercolor illustrations complement the text and playfully show the penguin couple making a nest, trying to hatch a rock, and raising their family together. Overall this is a straightforward story without being overtly about homosexuality, but rather focusing on the familial relationship of Roy and Silo and acceptance of others' differences. Recommended. 2005, Simon & Schuster, 32pp., $14.95 hc. Ages 6 to 9.
Rosemary R. Garza (The Lorgnette - Heart of
Texas Reviews (Vol. 18, No. 4))
This book is taken from a true story about two male chinstrap penguins that live in the Central Park Zoo. The story starts out telling about different kinds of families that visit or live at the zoo. Then the story focuses on the two male penguins that do everything together, including wanting to have a baby penguin. They build a nest, and the zookeeper brings an egg for them, so they raise a baby penguin together. The book introduces the concept of homosexuality in a matter-of-fact way without dwelling on the fact that the penguins are two males. The last page explains that the family of three penguins is just like any of the different kinds of families there are in the city. The illustrations are realistic and beautiful with a great story to tell. Fiction. Grades PreK-3. 2005, Simon & Schuster, Unpaged., $14.95. Ages 3 to 9.
This book is taken from a true story about two male chinstrap penguins that live in the Central Park Zoo. The story starts out telling about different kinds of families that visit or live at the zoo. Then the story focuses on the two male penguins that do everything together, including wanting to have a baby penguin. They build a nest, and the zookeeper brings an egg for them, so they raise a baby penguin together. The book introduces the concept of homosexuality in a matter-of-fact way without dwelling on the fact that the penguins are two males. The last page explains that the family of three penguins is just like any of the different kinds of families there are in the city. The illustrations are realistic and beautiful with a great story to tell. Fiction. Grades PreK-3. 2005, Simon & Schuster, Unpaged., $14.95. Ages 3 to 9.
Elementary Library Uses
I think this
would be a great book to use to introduce the concept of inherited traits.
Teachers could use it as a jumping board to discuss how the other
animals; monkeys, bears, and tamarin, all look like their parents. The
idea of adoption would pair well with this concept. Will the baby penguin
look exactly the same? Will it have some similarities? What if
Tango was not a chinstrap penguin?
No comments:
Post a Comment