The Top Spot

by Frank Weber

Overview

For fans of MR. TIGER GOES WILD and I WANT MY HAT BACK, author-illustrator Frank Weber presents style, stunning illustrations, and sly humor in THE TOP SPOT, which explores themes of happiness and the why of competing in the rat race called life.

A little ibex is challenged to compete against the bigger ibexes for the top spot in the herd, a contest the little ibex stands no chance of winning. With the help of a wise mountain goat, the little ibex returns home, outsmarts his rivals, and claims the top spot. But is it everything he thought it would be?

Frank Weber’s debut, MORE DUNG!, combined scatological humor with existential angst. THE TOP SPOT continues the existential tradition, inviting young readers to continue asking their favorite question: why?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781368099110
Publisher:	Disney Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/10/2024
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	11.36(w) x 9.37(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Frank Weber is an animator and director who specializes in design and animation. He's based in London but originally hails from South Africa, which inspires his work. More examples of his art can be found on newmonday.tv.

Editorial Reviews

"A quirky, inspired parable." —Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2024-05-31
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)

Kirkus Reviews