The top spot

In this story told in the cadence of a folktale, a little ibex is minding his Ps and Qs when the biggest ibex comes along and challenges him to a duel for the "top spot." The little ibex is confused at first, but after a knock-out head butt from the biggest ibex, he takes off running "down the mountainside, over the river, across a vast desert, into a dense forest." There's more than a dash of Klassen (The Skull, rev. 7/23, and others) in the strong shapes, earth tones, gritty textures, and shifty eyes of Weber's art, a combination of pencil and digital paintings. When he finally stops running, the little ibex spots a goat at the top of a mountain and, believing it to be wise, asks for advice. After a couple of questions from the bewildered goat (just a kid, readers learn), the ibex decides to put his evasive skills to work. The wry text sits on spreads with plenty of white space, slowing the pace and giving readers the opportunity to consider the wisdom of the little ibex's choices when he runs back and uses his nimble speed and his wiles to trick the other ibexes into falling off cliffs and getting stuck in crevasses. It isn't until the little ibex eliminates all his competitors and gets the top spot that he pauses to consider whether this is something he even wants. This book should prompt thoughtful discussions about what's important in life. Adrienne L. PettinelliNovember/December 2024 p.78 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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. (Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.