Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures

Praise

Readers will pore over striking, detailed illustrations in a collage with oil and charcoal…Children will be eager to see what happens next. A perfect read-aloud book for storytime.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Elaheh Taherian’s paper-cut collage illustrations seem to pop off the page, and add an element of whimsy to this wonderful story about making friends, no matter how old or young you are. This story would be a great recommendation for people seeking nonfamilial intergenerational stories.
—Booklist

Taherian’s illustrations—collage with oil and colored pencil—strengthen the focus on the relationship between Mr. Hagerty and Khalil, revealing little details…These careful glimpses give readers space to build their own backstories for Springstubb’s endearing characters. Khalil and his family have olive skin, and Mr. Hagerty presents white. A sweet and simple story about an intergenerational friendship and the bond between neighbors.
—Kirkus Reviews

In pencil, oil, and collage spreads, illustrator Taherian builds out a layered garden as well as two abodes whose backgrounds hint at the way each friend fills the other’s loneliness. Together with Springstubb’s text, it makes for an affectionate rendering of friendship as a wonderful and unexpected surprise.
—Publishers Weekly