And Tango Makes Three; Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole

Roy and Silo live in the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo in New York City. The two boys do everything together; walking, singing, swimming, bowing, eating, cuddling. When the other penguin couples begin building nests, Roy and Silo build one too. But something is missing from the boys’ nest until a friendly zookeeper has an idea and a very special family is made…

A quick google of ‘And Tango Makes Three’ and you’ll find that it has caused quite a lot of controversy since its release in 2005 because of all things…two gay penguins. The sweet and heart-warming story is based on the true events at the Central Park zoo - more of which can be learnt about in the author’s note - about two male penguins who, after being given an egg by the zookeeper, cared for and raised a very special penguin chick named Tango.

Love, happiness and joy leap from every page of this wonderful animal story. It is an adorable picture book with a very gentle and important message about family and what it means to love, to care for and to be kind. With its themes of acceptance and diverse family make-ups, it will help children understand that families come in many forms and can look different from one another.

Recommended for 5+.