"And Tango Makes Three" OR How Mama Got Surprised at the Library

The other day, I took my 5 and 6 year olds to the library. We were in the storybook section and I was helping my youngest pick a storybook. They had And Tango Makes Three on display and since my son likes penguins, I asked if he wanted to borrow that book. My son said yes, we finished up at the library and we were on our way.

A few days later, I told my youngest that we could read that book at bedtime and my oldest said he had already read it to his brother. I asked, "What was that book called again?"

My oldest said, "And Tango Makes Three."

I said, "Oh, that's kind of like our family? Where there are 2 young penguins already and then a new baby comes?"

My son said, "No. Actually, it's about two big penguins that are boys. Usually there is a mommy and a daddy penguin, but these are two daddy penguins who have a baby penguin."

I was a bit confused, so waited until we got home. I glanced at some of the quotes on the back that read:

"A touching and delightful variation on a major theme." - Maurice Sendak

"This wonderful story of devotion is heartwarming proof that Mother Nature knows best." - Harvey Fierstein.

"A miracle for little children. Funny, tender, and true, the story of Tango will delight young readers and open their minds." - John Lithgow

Curious. I was getting the picture that this book was about two gay penguins, but was still having trouble comprehending it all in the context of a kid's story book. So, we read it together and it was a really nice story and my kids didn't even bat an eye. They accepted the story as it was and really liked the book. And hey, I liked it too. :-)

After reading some reviews on Amazon, it looks like it's actually based on a true story at the Central Park Zoo where to male companion penguins adopted an unwanted baby penguin. How sweet and heartwarming.

But I Mention the Story Now Because it Was a True Parenting Experience for Me

Now, I know some parents would be angry to discover their local library had books like this. We all have our own beliefs and that's all good.

I also admit that even though I have no issues with someone being gay, I was taken aback that I had picked up the book and blindly signed it out for my son. Not because I think there is a problem with the subject matter - I just didn't expect it to appear in a young children's book. Personally, I think that's my bad for not checking the book prior to suggesting it to my son. Kids books deal with all kinds of tough subjects, so I shouldn't assume that it's just "another storybook".

But in the end, I don't feel like I made a mistake by not checking the book first.

Had I read what the book was about before signing it out, I might have hesitated because as a parent, sometimes I am TOTALLY wrong about what my kids can handle. They were obviously able to handle this story and I may have prevented them from reading it and being introduced to something that is going to come up in their lives.

So, I really feel like I should be thankful that a storybook was able to communicate something I may have had trouble communicating to my own kids. I think storybooks can have that amazing power and can open up so many possibilities for discussion with our kids.