And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Illustrated by Henry Cole (Upper Elementary)

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Illustrated by Henry Cole (Upper Elementary)

Richardson, J. Parnell, P. (2005) and tango makes three. New York: Simon & Schuster Books.

Genre: Easy Picture Book

Lexile: AD720

This book is based on a true story at the Central Park Zoo. The story focuses on two male penguins that do everything together, especially similar to the other penguin couples (male and female). While all the other couples are taking care of their egg, Roy and Silo don’t have an egg, so they pretend to care for an egg. One day the zookeeper decides to put a egg that didn’t have a home in their nest. Roy and Silo take very good care of their egg and take turns. Then finally one day their egg hatches and they have their own baby penguin, Tango. Their family is a little different than the other penguin families at the zoo, but still a family!

This book touches on same sex marriage and couples and allows students to grow socially and learn about other types of families. At this stage students are able to understand others points of view and take them into consideration, this would be a good way to introduce same sex parents to children who may not know much about this issue. Also, because the characters are animals I think it would be a easier introduction into the issue. Hopefully this will eliminate some of the racial attitudes students begin to develop around ages 10-12.

This book also promotes personality development. Students in the age appropriate level of this book begin to develop a sense of their worth and security surrounding their families. Students want to discuss feelings and be treated with positive attitudes, by bringing this book into the classroom it may alleviate some of those judgments that a student may be feeling if they are a part of this type of family.

Characterization- The book describes the characters and their dedication to their egg. The authors describe the setting and them how the penguins meet. Then they go into details about what the penguins do with each other, playing, and singing and describe some of their characteristics.

Theme- The theme in this book is about families and that not all families are the same, but that doesn’t mean that one family is better than the other. Some families may look different but they still do similar things as other families.

Illustrations- The illustrations throughout the book show the actions of the penguins and help describe what the words are telling and allowing students to visualize, for example, the nest, or what a baby penguin would look like.

Mini Lesson- This book would fit into a family unit as a way to explore different types of families and what they do differently or the same as others. It is based on a true story so you could also follow the penguins online!

Enjoyment- This book would be geared for upper elementary students who are socially ready to learn about and discuss family operations.