And Tango Makes Three

By Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
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The Story

At the Central Park Zoo, two male penguins named Roy and Silo build a nest together, and a kindly zookeeper gives them an abandoned egg to hatch and raise as their own.

Why It's Special

For families who talk about what makes a family a family, this true story of Roy, Silo, and their daughter Tango offers a gentle, real-world answer.

  • Big idea: Families take many shapes, and love and care are what make one.
  • Vibes: Tender, quiet, and warm, with the calm rhythm of a zoo day and the wonder of watching an egg become a chick.

Perfect For Kids Who

  • enjoy true animal stories
  • are curious about different kinds of families
  • like to ask questions about how animals care for their babies
  • respond well to gentle, real-life storytelling

Ask Your Little Reader

  • Story details: What did Roy and Silo do together to get ready for their egg, like the other penguin pairs at the zoo?
  • Feelings & empathy: How do you think Roy and Silo felt when the zookeeper gave them an egg to care for?
  • Real-life connection: Who are the people in your family who take care of you?
  • Imagination: What do you think it was like for Tango to hatch and see Roy and Silo waiting for her?
  • Big ideas: What does this story show us about what makes a family a family?

About This Book

Title
And Tango Makes Three
Author
Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Illustrator
Henry Cole
Pages
32 pages

Story Attributes

Representation
LGBTQ+ Families