And Tango Makes Three
By Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
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?












