And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, illustrated by Henry Cole. (Cover image from here.)Since its publication in 2005, And Tango Makes Three has seen its share of both praise and scorn. According to the American Library Association, And Tango Makes Three has been the most challenged book of 2006, 2007, 2008 and the most banned book of 2009. It chronicles the true story of Roy and Silo, two male chinstrap penquins that live in the Central Park Zoo in NYC, that became a couple and raised an egg from another male-female penquin partnership.
The controversy stems from two male penquins forming a family and raising a child. Numerous religious and political groups have used the book as part of the ongoing cultural battle within the United States regarding homosexuality (in humans and animals), same-sex marriage and adoption. Proponents of the book say that it is a tool to promote the political agenda of homosexuality (and thusly amorality). Defenders of the book say that the story of And Tango Makes Three offers proof that homosexuality is naturally occurring in the animal world, and therefore a natural component of human life as well.
As a librarian, I would site the American Library Association's and my library's philosophy that we are there to provide materials for all patrons, regardless of their race, age or sexual orientation. We also ensure every patron's right to information, even if other patrons don't agree with the content of the materials. And Tango Makes Three is a popular, well respected book that has won numerous awards: ALA Notable Children's Book Nominee, ASPCA Henry Bergh Book Award and Bank Street Best Books of the Year. It contains themes--penquins, animals taking care of their young, the zoo--that are interesting to both children and adults. Lastly, I would remind patrons that And Tango Makes Three is based on a true story. Like other birds, male penquins usually help hatch and raise their babies and its not unusual for two males to form a group.
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