Karen Yother, INFO 683-900
Richardson, Justin and Peter Parnell. And Tango Makes Three, New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2005. Hardback, 0-689-87845-1, $14.95. Ages 5-10.
Monkeys, panda, toads and tamarins share in this inspired story about two penguins who wanted a family.
And Tango Makes Three softly introduces the idea of non-traditional families without offending the reader. While adults may view this as a story about homosexuality, children will see it as a tender story about two penguins that have a baby. Children who come from non-traditional homes will connect with Tango and his fathers. The story of Tango teaches children about compassion for people that are different from them as well as being sensitive to unique situations.
The soft cartoon illustrations gently detail the many types of families seen at the zoo. Moms, dads and grandmas all make their way to the zoo to see Silo, Roy and Tango-the newest family at the Central Park Zoo in New York City. The illustrations provide depth to the story and focus on the lengthy process penguins undertake to care for and raise a baby. While the penguins are both male, children will see only the love of two parents nurturing their young child.
The scenes of family, both human and animal, throughout the book are universal and children everywhere will recognize the pictures for what they are and nothing more. This story reinforces the positive characteristics of family, both between the parents and between parent and child.
How do you define family? The role and look of today’s family is constantly changing and is a far cry from the 1950’s model of stay-at-home mothers and fathers who worked 9-5 jobs. Regardless of your view on homosexuality, single parents or traditional families And Tango Makes Three is a wonderful story of love and family in all its’ many forms, reminding us that families come in all shapes and sizes.
And Tango Makes Three is controversial in part because it addressed homosexuality, but also because it is written for young children. While controversial, this book should absolutely be available in public libraries. For conservative communities an alternate location, such as adult non-fiction or a parenting collection would be appropriate. Libraries striving to meet the needs of all the members of their community will want to have a copy of And Tango Makes Three on their shelves.
This true story of Tango and his fathers focuses on the care and love of family and does not flaunt or promote homosexuality. Hiding this book or removing it from the library shelves will make children from non-traditional homes feel shameful and there is nothing shameful about being loved by your fathers.