Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Elaheh Taherian, Tricia Springstubb
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536203068
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

“Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures,” is a sweet story about friendship between Khalil, a young boy, and an older gentleman.  Khalil  lives upstairs and Mr. Hagerty lives downstairs – in a  house  – where both share the same backyard. Khalil likes to read and explore. Mr. Hagerty loves to take care of his garden. While Khalil sometimes struggles to read words, Mr. Hagerty struggles to “remember,”  the names of his garden  tools. One very hot day, day, while Khali is  digging in the yard for buried treasure,  Mr. Hagerty harvests some very shriveled carrots.  Agreeing that this is indeed “discouraging,”  Mr. Hagerty invites Khalil  inside for a large piece of chocolate cake and a tall glass of cold milk.  “Maybe we’ll be luckier tomorrow,” says Khalil.”  And they are!  During the night, each has an idea of how to cheer up and surprise the other.   As a result, a lovely friendship grows between them.

The lovely cut-out illustrations are expansive and expressive, conveying well  the growing appreciation that Mr. Hagerty and Khalil have for one another.

Good for intergeneration and cross cultural studies.  Also, when promoting the  building of  new and less common types of friendships.

 

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME