Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated by Elaheh Taherian

Diversity and  differences - age, culture, race, these are the subtle messages here, that what makes us different, makes us alike. Khalil and Mr. Hagerty live in same house, Khalil and his family on the top floor and Mr. Hagerty on the first. Khalil's family is big and noisy and Mr. Hagerty apparently lives by himself downstairs and is a quiet elderly man.

This is the story of a boy and an old man who create a friendship and bond through their mutual love of the outdoors, of exploration, finding treasures in the backyard. Their friendship looks beyond race, age, culture, it is centered in kindness and caring. 

This is a good read for your 3 – 6-year-old as you can convey and explain messages of love, friendship and caring as you read it.

The book is in a read-out loud format which offers the ability to have your child listen on their own as the book reads itself and they turn the pages, or you can read along, injecting your thoughts and lessons about mutual likes, caring, and how friendship has no restrictions because of how old you are, your race, ethnicity, gender, etc. 

The story flows nicely and the words are easy for a young mind to understand. The illustration is well done, with nicely drawn characters and surroundings, simple and colorful. The narration is even toned and at a pace that allows your young one to keep up with the story.   

I give this 4 stars for it delivers messages that we all need during these polarizing times, that of having fun, friendship, caring, acceptance, no matter the differences.