Little Parachutes

Picture books that help children

  • Picture book subjects
    • Issues
      • Adoption
      • Bereavement
      • Bullying & Abuse
      • Depression in Family
      • Divorce / Separation
      • The Environment
      • Facts of Life
      • Non-traditional Families
      • Parent In Prison
      • Safety & Protection
      • Serious Illness
    • Experiences
      • Bed Time
      • Comfort Objects
      • Getting Dressed
      • Haircuts & Hair Care
      • Holidays & Travel
      • Losing a Tooth
      • Moving House
      • New Baby
      • Owning a Pet
      • Playgroup / Nursery
      • Sleepovers & Babysitters
      • Starting School
    • Feelings
      • Anxiety
      • Being Different / Yourself
      • Fears:
        • Ghosts & Monsters
        • Animals & insects
        • The Dark
      • Sadness
      • Shyness
      • Wanting to be Grown Up
    • Behaviour
      • Aggression & Tantrums
      • Friendship & Getting Along
      • Helping Out
      • Listening & Co-operating
      • Manners & Politeness
      • Telling the Truth
      • Tidiness & Helping Out
    • Health
      • Allergies
      • Childhood Illnesses
      • Infectious Diseases
      • Healthy Eating & Exercise
      • Hospitals & Operations
      • Disabilities
      • Dentists & Dental Care
      • Wearing Glasses / Eye patch
    • Skills
      • Getting Dressed
      • Learning to Swim
      • Using The Potty / Toilet
      • Washing & Good Hygiene
    • Positive Qualities
      • Acceptance & Inclusion
      • Confidence & Self-esteem
      • Courage
      • Curiosity & Creativity
      • Gratitude
      • Kindness
      • Resilience / adaptability
  • Parachute Books
  • About us
    • Our story
    • Contact us
    • Contributors
    • Help and FAQs
    • Subscribe
  • Your Book List
  • Blog
< Picture Books Library
Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner
Categories: Adoption & Fostering, Being Different & Being Yourself, Kindness, Non-traditional Families, Resilience / adaptability

And Tango Makes Three

This classic picture book shows children that every family looks different and all family groups are equally valid and wonderful regardless of shape and size, colour or gender: love is all they need!
Add to your book list
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Author: Justin Richardson and Henry Cole
Illustrator: Henry Cole
Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Based on true events at the Central Park zoo in New York, this is a lovely heart-warming story that subtly advocates adoption and contains important messages of tolerance and acceptance. The story would be a good starting point for a conversation about homosexuality and same-sex families.

Roy and Silo are just like the other penguin couples at the zoo – they bow to each other, walk together and swim together. But Roy and Silo are a little bit different – they’re both boys. Then, one day, when Mr Gramzay the zookeeper finds them trying to hatch a stone, he realises that it may be time for Roy and Silo to become parents for real. He finds an egg that needs to be cared for and puts it in the couple’s nest. Roy and Silo look after it perfectly and their new baby (Tango) hatches. The two fathers and their baby are very popular with zoo visitors. 

This video link is provided to help an adult assess the book's suitability for a child's situation before purchasing it. It has been filmed by a third party and hosted on YouTube and is not made by Little Parachutes. More info

The messages we found in this book:

Guidance:

  • All family groups are different; not all families consist of a mother, father and one or more children. 

Hope & Inspiration:

  • The penguin family thrive and they are very happy together. 
  • Mr Gramzay the zookeeper accepts the unconventional couple and supports them.  
  • The new family are accepted by the visitors to the zoo who enjoy coming to see them. 
Review by: Claire Ward-Dutton

Categories: Adoption & Fostering, Being Different & Being Yourself, Kindness, Non-traditional Families, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: father, foster, gender, persistence, same-sex parents



As an Amazon Associate, Little Parachutes earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. This money helps us to cover our admin costs and reach more families.

What is a Parachute Book?

A challenging experience can make a young child feel as if they are in emotional free fall. As a parent, you can’t stop them falling, but you can offer them a softer landing:
a Parachute Book.

Let us search for you

© Copyright 2020 Little Parachutes · All Rights Reserved · Help & FAQ's · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy

The information provided on the Little Parachutes website is not a substitute for professional care by a qualified practitioner, and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of yourself or children in your care, you should always consult an appropriate healthcare professional.