Sunday, August 9, 2009

Inclusive Literature - "And Tango Makes Three" by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell


Bibliographic data
Justin, M.D./ Parnell, Peter/ Cole, and Henry (Ilt) Richardson. And Tango Makes Three. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2005.


Brief plot summary
This book is based on the true story of two male penguins who ended up raising a chick - from an egg that had been abandoned by the biological parents. Roy and Silo were two boy penguins that liked each other’s company. The penguins became adoptive parents to an orphaned egg. They kept it warm just like they saw the other penguin parents doing.


Critical analysis
This book is a sweet story about diversity and going against the grain. Every penguin coupled up with another penguin of the different sex. Silo and Roy were friends and liked being with each other.

First of all, this is just a sweet story. The author’s note in the back of the book tells readers that the events in the picture book are true. The happy family lives at the Central Park Zoo in New York.

The book constantly being one of the most challenged books is absolutely absurd. The controversy of it suggests that this is a horribly vulgar book, which is definitely not the case in this true, cute story. It doesn’t brainwash children into becoming homosexuals. It is a true story about two penguins that enjoys each other’s company and wanted to help raise a baby penguin together. That is all.

The illustrations are adorable throughout this book. The penguins are really brought to life with the details of the fuzzy feathers when Tango is first born and in the manner of the penguins.


Review excerpt
School Library Journal
Done in soft watercolors, the illustrations set the tone for this uplifting story, and readers will find it hard to resist the penguins' comical expressions. The well-designed pages perfectly marry words and pictures, allowing readers to savor each illustration. An author's note provides more information about Roy, Silo, Tango, and other chinstrap penguins. This joyful story about the meaning of family is a must for any library

Booklist
Indeed, intrusions from the zookeeper, who remarks that the nuzzling males "must be in love," strike the narrative's only false note. Further facts about the episode conclude, but it's naive to expect this will be read only as a zoo anecdote. However, those who share this with children will find themselves returning to it again and again--not for the entree it might offer to matters of human sexuality, but for the two irresistible birds at its center and for the celebration of patient, loving fathers who "knew just what to do."


Connections
Read :“Heather Has Two Mommies”

“It’s Okay to be Different”

No comments:

Post a Comment