and tango makes three

and tango makes three is a picture book based on the true events of two male chin strap penguins from the Central Park Zoo named Roy and Silo. Roy and Silo are unlike the other penguins at the zoo. While the other penguins of opposite genders meet, mate, and have babies, Roy and Silo show disinterest in members of the opposite sex. In fact, they spend most of their time together. When the other penguins create a home and sit on their eggs Roy and Silo do the same. Unfortunately the couple only have rocks to sit on. When their zookeeper notices Roy and Silo's dilemma he provides an egg for the two to incubate. Both penguins work diligently for their egg to hatch. Eventually a baby girl is born and the keeper names her Tango because after all "it takes two to tango." 

This book is written in a very heart warming narrative manner. The fact that it is based on a true story can make it even more special to readers. After reading this story I became interested in learning about the couple. I think students would also become further interested and possibly want to research Roy and Silo. I sure did! The added bonus is that they would be reading an informational piece about the same subject which meets Common Core Standards and can be extended further. Below I have added an article about the current relationship status of Roy and Silo.

 http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/24/nyregion/new-love-breaks-up-a-6year-relationship-at-the-zoo.html?_r=0

By: Elizabeth Moro