The Climbers

The immersive illustrations beautifully portray the strong relationships between children and animals, the lush jungle setting and the emotions of the characters and combine with the text to present a through-provoking story about friendship and tolerance to young readers * Books for Keeps *
Ali Standish has created a gentle, though-provoking, allegorical story of friendship and acceptance. [...] Alette's hidden details and clever ability to reflect emotion make this a story to be enjoyed again and again on a variety of levels -- Emily Beale, librarian * ReadingZone *
A beautifully written and illustrated story about friendship, love and courage * Reading Agency, Teachers' Reading Challenge *
Standish's atmospheric tale, featuring an unusual but tender friendship which defies all odds and teaches lessons about keeping an open heart and allowing loyalty and kindness to triumph over fear, has a lyrical, dreamlike quality which will appeal to both children and their parents. * Lancashire Evening Post *
This is beautiful! ... Stunning illustrations, lyrical language and a lovely story of friendship and bravery! * The Reading Realm *
As in this powerful, moving story, so it is in our increasingly troubled times: it's children who show the way when it comes to optimism, open minds and open hearts. Beautifully told by Ali and dramatically illustrated by Alette Straathof, be it read alone or read aloud, this is a must read. -- Jill Bennett * Red Reading Hub *
The Climbers, the latest in Stripes's range of colourfully illustrated fiction for new readers, is a gentle yet soaring story from Ali Standish, with intense, transporting illustrations by Alette Straathof. * Guardian *
[The Climbers] has themes of hope, courage, friendship and connection and ably fulfils the publishers aim of presenting children with diverse stories of global appeal.' * Books for Keeps *
Lyrically told, and has themes of courage, hope, friendship and connection. This short, accessible and moving book is full of beautiful, immersive illustrations that combine with the text to present a thought-provoking story about friendship, courage and tolerance that will work well both as a read-alone for confident readers and as a book to share. * Carousel *