THE TOP SPOT

When a little ibex loses a duel for the top spot, he becomes determined to win.

After the biggest ibex’s horns send the little ibex flying, he runs off, ignoring another ibex’s challenge. After a long journey, the little ibex meets a young mountain goat, who asks him why he’s special and what he’s good at. The ibex is inspired to use his small, light stature and his running and jumping skills to take over the top spot on a huge rock. Bored, he eventually abandons the spot to enjoy some tasty grass. Young readers will appreciate the little ibex’s tenacity and triumph both in spite of and because of his size. The illustrations are highly appealing in their simplicity. The little ibex’s expressive eyes convey his thoughts and reactions. Weber uses oranges and burnt reds to great advantage, showcasing the glory of the top spot and the heat of the sun, in sharp contrast to the muted tones of the desert and forest scenes. The message here is multilayered: Sure, we all have gifts, many that may not be outright obvious. But what’s the point of all the competition, anyway? Adults will find the moral clear; children may need a little guidance from grown-ups, though they’ll chuckle at the naïve ibex, who mistakes the young goat for a wise elder.

A quirky, inspired parable.