And Tango Makes Three
by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell
Simon & Schuster, Limited 2016
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.2 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- family
- love and caregiving
- inclusion
- acceptance
- diversity
- animals
- belonging
About this book
Based on a true story from New York’s Central Park Zoo, this picture book follows two male penguins who long for a family and are given an egg to care for. With gentle text and warm illustrations, it shows how love and teamwork can create a home in many forms. Perfect for young listeners and early readers, it invites conversations about families, kindness, and inclusion. Kids enjoy the adorable animal characters and the heartwarming, real-life twist.
Setting: Central Park Zoo, New York City, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is And Tango Makes Three right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for And Tango Makes Three. The reading level is AR 4.2, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include family, love and caregiving, inclusion.
How long does it take to read And Tango Makes Three?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, And Tango Makes Three takes around 7m to finish. The book has 980 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does And Tango Makes Three have an AR quiz?
Yes — And Tango Makes Three has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is And Tango Makes Three?
And Tango Makes Three has an AR reading level of 4.2, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.