Best Test

Bird’s discovery of a succulent strawberry sets in motion an exploration of what it means to be best. So delirious does said strawberry appear that other creatures too would like to have a share, the first being Frog who is quick to challenge Bird’s ‘Because I’m the best’ claim to the entire thing. Bird much be bigger than Frog but when it comes to pulling funny faces, Frog wins unequivocally. Along comes little Shrew also claiming to be special and suggesting a test to help decide which of them really is BEST.

The competitors negotiate, a course is drawn out, Shrew offers to act as referee, the animals line up till Shrew shouts ‘Go!’ and off they set. Unbeknown to them all there’s a small mollusc watching from the side.

During the race something entirely unforeseen occurs: the participants start helping one another and the race ends with a tie and Shrew’s ‘I declare you to ALL be the best!’ And the strawberry? Rat suggests sharing it but there’s a surprise in store in the form of Snail munching its way through the prize and there’s no question that the race criteria have been fulfilled. However Snail has something crucial to contribute to the ‘best’ debate.

With its vibrantly coloured, textured illustrations and surprise ending this is smashing demonstration collaboration and teamwork, and of the fact that everyone has something special to contribute to the world.