Khalil lives with his big, busy family in the second story flat of a house, while quiet Mr. Hagerty lives alone on the first floor. Both like spending time in the backyard, where Mr. Hagerty maintains a garden and Khalil hunts "for bugs and interesting rocks." The two lead a peaceful co-existence that soon becomes a friendship, as they find ways to help each other out, enjoy celebratory snacks together, and even to surprise each other with small acts of kindness. The friendship between an elderly white man and a young brown-skinned boy is distinctive for the equality of their relationship. The collage illustrations extend the story with details that offer some foreshadowing and show the developing closeness between the two neighbors.
(Ages 3-6)

A sweet friendship spanning age and culture blooms in a shared backyard.

Khalil lives in the upstairs apartment with his family, which is big and busy and noisy. Downstairs lives Mr. Hagerty, who is quiet. Khalil and Mr. Hagerty don’t appear to have a lot in common, but hot summer days have a way of bringing people together. As Khalil looks for buried treasure in the yard, Mr. Hagerty tends to his garden. Both help each other navigate language — whether it be learning new words or remembering those seemingly forgotten. Before long, an unlikely friendship is born, full of treasure, thoughtfulness, and chocolate cake. Through well-cultivated details and vibrant cut-paper collage, author Tricia Springstubb and illustrator Elaheh Taherian nurture a heart-tugging tribute to the love of good neighbors and to the strength of intergenerational and intercultural bonds.