Neil Patrick Harris to narrate children’s book about two same-sex partners

NEW YORK — Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, and Little Simon have announced that Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris will narrate a new edition of Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell’s bestselling, groundbreaking children’s book And Tango Makes Three.

The story, illustrated by Henry Cole, will be available as a book and CD combination, as a standalone audiobook, and as an e-book with audio on June 2, 2015.

Selected as an ALA Notable Children’s Book and a Lambda Literary Award Finalist, And Tango Makes Three is the bestselling, heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family at the Central Park Zoo. Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others, but their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, they get the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own. In its straightforward presentation of two same-sex partners creating a family, And Tango Makes Three is one of the first picture books of its kind. It has also been the recipient of many awards and honors, including the ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award, an ALA Notable Children’s Book finalist, a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, a Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Book of the Year, a Lambda Literary Award Finalist, an Insight Out Book Club pick, a BookSense Children’s Pick, a S.E.A. Write Award Finalist, a CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book, and has been featured on the Cooperative Children’s Book Council (CCBC)  Choices List.

Harris is best known for his four-time Emmy-nominated performance as Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother as well as the title role on Doogie Howser, M.D., for which he received a Golden Globe nomination.  He recently appeared in 2014’s blockbuster hit Gone Girl, The Smurfs (2011) and The Smurfs 2 (2013). He also starred as a fictionalized version of himself in the Harold & Kumar series, and played the title role in Joss Whedon’s musical web series Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. Harris has appeared on Broadway in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, for which he won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, Cabaret, Proof, and Assassins. He recently hosted the 87th Academy Awards in February of this year, and has hosted the Tony Awards four times since 2009. He also presided as host of the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2009 and 2013.

“Neil Patrick Harris enhances the charm and the drama of this story via his narration, and we are delighted to be celebrating the book’s tenth anniversary,” said David Gale, Vice President, Editorial Director of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.  “Although And Tango Makes Three has been on ALA’s list of ‘Most Frequently Challenged Books’ many times, readers worldwide have embraced its heartwarming message about the true nature of family and love.”

“With his spot-on narration, Neil Patrick Harris wonderfully animates these unforgettable penguins,” said Chris Lynch, President & Publisher of Simon & Schuster Audio. “It’s joyful listening for all families.”