Picture Book #2

Title-And Tango Makes Three

Author-Justin Richardson and Peter Parnall

Illustrator-Henry Cole

Genre-Picture story book

Subgenre-Realistic Fiction

Theme-Family, homosexuality, adoption

Primary and secondary characters-Roy and Silo, Mr. Gramzay

Award(s)- The Aspca Henry Berch Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Notable Children’s Book; Gustavus Myer Outstanding Book Award; Nick Jr. Family Magazine, Outstanding Book Award; Bank Street Best Book of the Year; CBC/NCSS

Date of publication-2005

Publishing company-Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing

Brief summary-Based on a true story about two male Chinstrap Penguins in New York’s Central Park Zoo, Roy and Silo are given an egg to hatch and they become a family. Roy and Silo are just like every other penguin couple in the zoo and they do everything together.  When the zookeeper notices that they are in love, he decides to allow them to take care of an egg. The illustrations are outstanding. 


Quote-"Roy and Silo watched how the other penguins made a home.  So they built a nest of stones for themselves.  Every night Roy and Silo slept there together, just like the other penguin couples."

How would you use the book with students-I would use this book to teach students about homosexuality and family.  It is a controversial book that has been opposed by many, so I would get permission before presenting this book to my class.  It also can show the way birds are hatched and about the lives of penguins.