Bitchin' Blog Posts
And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
by SB Sarah | October 09, 2007 | Tuesday at 3:08 am | 10 CommentsTitle: And Tango Makes Three
Author: Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
Publication Info: Simon & Schuster April 26, 2005
ISBN: 0689878451
Genre: Top 100 Banned Books
Submitted by Dooley
“And Tango Makes Three†topped the list of most challenged books in 2006. It is the true story of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, at Central Park Zoo, who form a relationship, hatch a donated egg, and raise the chick, named Tango, together. A kindly zookeeper arranges for them to have the egg after noting that the couple had been attempting to hatch a rock. The book ends on a happy ever after note as the three penguins snuggle up contentedly and fall asleep
I was intensely curious as to what my sons would make of the book, and upon finishing reading the story to them I asked them what they thought of it. My younger son (aged four) thought it was cool that the chick had two daddies teaching her to swim. My older son (aged six) thought the best part was when the penguin couple got the egg after trying so hard to hatch a rock. When I asked him what he thought of the chick having two daddies, he shrugged and spoke of how his friend at school didn’t have a daddy at all. This led to a discussion about all the different kinds of families there are, and my son informing me that some kids don’t have a mommy or a daddy, and that these kids are called “orfings.â€
I’m not naïve enough to be surprised that this book was so frequently objected to, but I am saddened. The people who objected to the book claim to have been blindsided by the pro-homosexuality message wrapped up in a seemingly innocuous children’s book. I saw the book’s message to be that having a loving parent is more important than that parent’s sex or sexual orientation. The whole subject is beautifully handled, and it’s a perfect springboard for a discussion about what a family actually is, and how different families can be. I recommend it to any parent who is actively trying to raise their children to be open-minded, thoughtful, and tolerant.
My kids now want to go see Tango at the Central Park Zoo on our next visit to NYC, and I see another teaching opportunity in the future. Roy and Silo’s relationship did not last. In fact, one of them went on to form another relationship with a female penguin. It seems the love lives of penguins are as complex as those of humans. I’d love to see a follow-up book that helps me explain that one to the kids.
CC said on 10.09.07 at 05:39 AM • [comment link]
To heck with a follow up for explaining changing relationships to kids- I want one that explains those things to me
Christina said on 10.09.07 at 06:55 AM • [comment link]
I was really sad when I heard they split up.
karibelle said on 10.09.07 at 07:40 AM • [comment link]
Awwww. That is a wonderful story (except for the break-up.) The part about the rock makes me want to cry! Stupid people suck!
Darlene Marshall said on 10.09.07 at 03:51 PM • [comment link]
Aw, they broke up? Well, it’s said 50% of het marriages break up, so I guess we shouldn’t be surprised.
There’s a group on Facebook called “Against gay marriage? Then don’t get one and shut the fuck up.”
I would have phrased it differently, but it sums up how I feel.
dooley said on 10.09.07 at 05:29 PM • [comment link]
From a home-schooling, Christian dad comes this lesson in how to ensure his offspring become as intolerant as he is:
“... this book has been insidiously and deceitfully placed in libraries across America to re-educate young children to accept all families as valid, whether they have two mommies, two daddies, three daddies or three mommies and two daddies. It is deceptively normal and intentionally aimed at children whose primary concern should be Legos and dolls. They push the debate on homosexuality into the kindergarten when the only debate children that age should be forced to decide is crust or no crust on their sandwiches. I am appalled that Simon and Schuster thinks my children are ready for sex. And I am angry that they chose such a backhanded method to pump someone’s agenda. They will be hearing from my articulate 9 year-old in the coming days, and my library will be hearing from me.”
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/SteveWalden/31086/
*Big sigh* Whatever happened to “love thy neighbour”?
Gwendy said on 10.09.07 at 10:33 PM • [comment link]
I am definately going to search for this adorable story during my next library visit. What do you think disturbs the cenors the most? I think it is the fact that this is a TRUE story. It kinda put the cabosh on the God deems homosexualty unnatural and the proof is that you just don’t see it in nature, do you? The fact that animal sexuality is much more fluid and varied then we had noticed before must drive them crazy. Or isn’t Nature “natural” anymore?
Lizzie (greeneyed fem) said on 10.09.07 at 10:53 PM • [comment link]
Add me to the list of folks who LOVE this book. I hate to say it, but some of the ‘gay is okay’ books for kids seem to be trying a little too hard. This one doesn’t (maybe because it’s a true story?). It’s touching and simple, and the illustrations are just scrumptious. You’ll want a fuzzy baby penguin of your own!
And I think you’re right, Gwendy - it must drive the fundies nuts because it really did happen and can’t be put down as just propaganda of the eeevil sinner gays. Although where the “Christian dad” blogger above sees “sex” in this cute lil book is beyond me. No illustrations of hot penguin lovin’, no mention of penguin weenies. Sex wha?
Ishie said on 10.09.07 at 11:00 PM • [comment link]
Bringing to mind what sorts of cliche euphemisms could be used for penguin weenie…
I’m going with “dichromatic icicle of love”.
Lizzie (greeneyed fem) said on 10.10.07 at 12:52 AM • [comment link]
“hydrodynamic water cannon” (it’s not aerodynamic ‘cause they don’t fly, y’see)
“little eel of the North Sea”
Okay, I need to stop.
Katie Dickson said on 10.10.07 at 05:33 AM • [comment link]
I have a hard time believing people are THAT dumb. These are PENGUINS, people! PENGUINS! Who cares how you feel about gay marriage? It’s a fuzzy penguin story!
Achk. Splutter.
(But that book does sound like it would be a great intro for the kids to talk about same-sex marraige… gotta keep that in mind…)
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