The Climbers
Colour Fiction Series
on Goodreads (134)
What’s inside...
Lonely Alma longs to explore the lush forest beyond her narrow town, but her uncle has told her it’s full of fearsome beasts. One night, she ventures into the trees and finds a frightened bear cub. The two become friends but the rest of the town is not so welcoming. Soon, Alma and Star Bear are forced to set off in search of a place to call home. A lyrical tale about a tender friendship that triumphs over fear, with color illustrations on every page.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Cordelia felt when she moved to a new place and met new friends? What would you do in her situation?
The tree in the story is very significant for the characters. What does the tree represent to you and why?
Each of the characters in the book faces a challenge. Which character’s story did you relate to the most, and what did you learn from them?
Why do you think teamwork was important for the characters to reach their goals?
If you could add another adventure for the characters, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about moving and making new friends, linking it to Cordelia's experiences.
Discuss the symbolism of the tree and its importance in the story, helping your child connect it to their own life or to nature.
Identify challenges and discuss coping mechanisms, drawing parallels between the children's strategies in the book and possible approaches in real life.
Highlight examples from the book where teamwork was beneficial, and relate those instances to family or school situations.
Foster creative thinking by asking your child to imagine a new adventure for the characters, discussing possible outcomes and lessons learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Climbers', the characters work together to overcome obstacles, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in school or playground scenarios where cooperation is needed to solve a problem or complete a project.
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: The book shows characters confronting and overcoming their fears, symbolizing the importance of bravery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a school play, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Through Challenges
Explanation: The storyline encourages persistence as the characters continue their journey despite setbacks.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to keep trying in the face of academic or personal challenges, understanding that perseverance often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The journey in the story highlights the beauty and fragility of the natural world, promoting environmental awareness.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to take action in preserving nature, be it through recycling, conserving water, or participating in community clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Compassion
Explanation: As the characters interact, they learn about each other's backgrounds and challenges, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diversity and practice empathy in their daily interactions with peers.