Marking 20 Years of “And Tango Makes Three”: A Pioneering Children’s Book on Family Diversity
Kelly Jensen, a seasoned librarian and prolific blogger at STACKED, has dedicated her career to amplifying stories that challenge norms and foster understanding. As the editor and creator of impactful works such as (DON’T) CALL ME CRAZY: 33 VOICES START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH and HERE WE ARE: FEMINISM FOR THE REAL WORLD, Kelly continues to champion diverse narratives. Her upcoming book, BODY TALK, is scheduled for release in Tumble 2020. Follow her insights and updates on Instagram @heykellyjensen.
Two Decades of “And Tango Makes Three”: A Cultural Milestone
In 2025, the beloved nonfiction picture book And Tango Makes Three celebrates its 20th anniversary-a testament to its enduring influence. Originally published in April 2005, this story by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson recounts the true tale of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who form a close bond and hatch an egg together. The penguins Roy and Silo, named after the zoo’s real-life chinstrap penguins, initially attempted to incubate a rock but were later given an extra egg by the zoo’s senior keeper, Rob Gramzay. That egg hatched into Tango, symbolizing a family built on love and acceptance.
The Book’s Impact and Enduring Popularity
Since its debut, And Tango Makes Three has become a staple in classrooms, libraries, and homes across the globe. Its gentle illustrations by Harry Cole help make the story accessible and reassuring for young readers. The narrative serves as a gentle reminder of the natural diversity of family structures, emphasizing that love and kinship can take many forms. In an editorial from September 2005, zoo keeper Rob Gramzay highlighted that the Central Park Zoo had at least four other same-sex penguin pairings, including Tango’s pairing with a female penguin named Tazuni, illustrating the natural occurrence of such bonds in the animal kingdom.
Critical Acclaim and Recognition
Upon publication, And Tango Makes Three received widespread praise. It was named a Notable Children’s Book by the American Library Association in 2005, included in the Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, and earned a starred review from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. The book was also a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award, cementing its significance in LGBTQ+ literature for children. These accolades underscored its importance at a time when representation of diverse families was still uncommon in children’s publishing.
Facing Opposition and Censorship
Despite its success, the book has faced persistent challenges. Between 2006 and 2008, And Tango Makes Three topped the American Library Association’s list of most-banned books, reflecting ongoing societal debates about LGBTQ+ visibility. It was the second most-challenged title in 2009 and returned to the top of the list in 2010. Over the past two decades, it has consistently ranked among the most banned books, with current trends indicating it remains a target in the 2020s.
The reasons for opposition are familiar: some view the depiction of a happy same-sex family as inappropriate or even harmful, while others falsely claim it promotes grooming. The fact that the story is based on real animals and their natural behaviors often does little to quell the controversy. Internationally, the book has also faced censorship-removed from school curricula in parts of England, relocated by Singapore’s National Library Board, and outright banned in Hong Kong.
Authors’ Advocacy and Legal Battles
Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson have actively fought against censorship. Their advocacy extends beyond the initial publication, involving legal actions to defend access to their work. They have settled lawsuits with Florida school districts and continue to challenge bans, citing the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Their efforts reaffirm the constitutional right to access diverse stories and challenge unconstitutional restrictions like the “Don’t Say Gay” laws that threaten to silence such narratives.
The Significance of “And Tango Makes Three” in Children’s Literature
This book is more than a story about animals; it’s a vital educational tool that demonstrates that heterosexuality is not the only natural family arrangement. Its influence has paved the way for more inclusive children’s literature, including works like Eliot Schrefer’s Out of the Ordinary Ducks and numerous YA novels featuring LGBTQ+ characters. The success of And Tango Makes Three has emboldened publishers to include more diverse stories, fostering acceptance and understanding from a young age.
Animal Stories and Real-Life Parallels
Beyond its social message, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into zoo life and animal behavior, which captivates young readers. The depiction of animals forming bonds and raising families naturally resonates with children, providing a relatable and comforting narrative. It also offers an opportunity for virtual visits to the Central Park Zoo, bringing the wonder of wildlife into the classroom or home.
Reflections from the Creators
In celebration of the book’s 20th anniversary, I spoke with authors Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson about its legacy, ongoing battles against censorship, and their motivation to continue advocating for inclusive stories.
How did you initially pitch this story to publishers? Was the process straightforward or more complex?
Peter: Justin and I first learned about Tango’s story over breakfast one winter morning, inspired by a New York Times article titled “Like That Dare Not Speak Its Name” by Dinitia Smith, published in February 2004. The cultural climate at the time was tense-just days earlier, San Francisco’s mayor had issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and national debates about marriage equality were intensifying. The media and public discourse were dominated by issues of sexuality and rights, setting the stage for our story’s relevance.
What inspired the story’s focus on family and acceptance?
Justin: My recent work on a parenting book, Everything You Never Wanted Your Children to Know about Sex (But Were Vexed They’d Ask), highlighted how parents struggle to find language to discuss complex topics like sexuality with their children. Picture books are invaluable tools for addressing these conversations. Our story about Tango and the other penguins is a simple yet profound parable about two small characters striving to create a family, with the help of a kind human. It’s a universal story of hope, resilience, and love that resonates with all children, regardless of family structure.
Were there any books that influenced or guided your development of And Tango Makes Three?
Peter: We drew inspiration from many beloved children’s books, such as Munro Leaf’s The Story of Ferdinand, Madeline, and Petunia. Justin and I spent hours in bookstores, revisiting our favorites, and I also had the privilege of working with Maurice Sendak, who offered invaluable advice during the illustration process. These stories helped shape the tone and approach of our own work.
What was the initial public response to the book?
Justin: When And Tango Makes Three was first published, we were cautiously optimistic. Early reviews, especially starred ones, were overwhelmingly positive. We observed a strong response from parents, educators, and LGBTQ+ families, who appreciated the book’s message of acceptance. Over time, we’ve heard from many adults who grew up with the story and now share it with their own children, which is incredibly meaningful.
What has been one of the most memorable moments for you as authors?
Peter: One standout moment was receiving the “Living the Dream” award from third-grade students in New York City, who had spent the year reading and discussing the book. Hearing their essays about why they loved And Tango Makes Three and how it helped them understand diversity was profoundly moving. It reaffirmed our belief in the importance of inclusive stories.
Looking Ahead: The Future of LGBTQ+ Children’s Literature
Peter: The success of Tango opened doors for many publishers to explore stories featuring LGBTQ+ characters. Today, there is a rich array of picture books, middle-grade novels, and young adult titles that celebrate diverse families and identities. However, the landscape remains fragile, with ongoing challenges and bans threatening to roll back progress.
Justin: The recent surge in book bans, driven by political and ideological motives, endangers the visibility of these stories. We remain committed to fighting for access and representation, supporting educators and librarians who stand firm against censorship. The fight for inclusive literature is ongoing, and we must continue to advocate for the rights of children to see themselves reflected in the stories they read.
Legal and Activist Efforts to Protect Access
Following the landmark Supreme Court case Pico v. Island Trees School District in 1982, it is established that censorship of books based on their content violates the First Amendment. Despite this, And Tango Makes Three has faced numerous challenges, including being banned in Escambia County, Florida, in 2023. Our legal team has fought back, successfully securing the book’s return in some districts and challenging unconstitutional bans. These efforts underscore the importance of defending free access to diverse stories for all children.
Why We Continue the Fight
Justin: The core motivation is the belief that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read. The ongoing bans and challenges remind us of the importance of standing up for these rights. The Constitution and organizations like the American Library Association and PEN America provide vital support and inspiration. We are committed to ensuring that future generations can access stories that promote understanding, acceptance, and love.
Advice for Parents, Teachers, and Advocates
Peter: Stay informed about your local school policies and advocate for the right to diverse and inclusive books. Engage with school boards, attend meetings, and support librarians and educators who defend these stories. If possible, consider running for a position on the school board to influence policy directly. Remember, even when committees approve books, districts sometimes ban them-so persistent advocacy is essential.
Justin: For young readers fighting censorship, remember that your voice matters. The case of Steven Pico, a student who challenged his school’s book ban and won at the Supreme Court, exemplifies the power of standing up for your rights. Keep advocating, stay informed, and know that your efforts contribute to a more inclusive future.
Final Reflection
Ultimately, And Tango Makes Three endures because it embodies universal themes of love, family, and acceptance. Its continued relevance underscores the importance of diverse stories in children’s literature. As society evolves, so too does the landscape of children’s books-yet the core message remains vital: every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they cherish.
From the Editorial Desk: Celebrating Book Cover Art
This week, we spotlight some of the most striking and innovative covers in recent short story collections. These designs not only attract readers but also reflect the creativity and diversity inherent in contemporary publishing. Whether from small presses or major publishers, compelling cover art plays a crucial role in inviting readers into new worlds.
Stay tuned for a curated list of standout covers, along with insights into the artists and designers behind them. Dive into the visual artistry that makes these books irresistible on your shelves!
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