This is a lovely, gentle book that does exactly what it sets out to do: tell the true story of two male penguins who raised a baby together at the Central Park Zoo. It's not going to blow anyone's mind with literary brilliance or stunning artwork, but it's a solid tool for introducing young kids to the idea that families look different and that's perfectly normal.

The controversy around this book is way more interesting than the book itself, honestly. It's been challenged in libraries for years, which tells you everything about certain adults and nothing about the book's actual content—there's literally nothing objectionable unless you think penguins being good parents is somehow scandalous.

For families who want a simple, factual, sweet story about love and family, this delivers. For families looking for a page-turner or something wildly imaginative, look elsewhere. It's a teaching tool wrapped in penguin cuteness, and that's fine.