Customer Reviews

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch (Stories to Go!)

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4 star:		(2)
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This is a book about a man with seemingly no personal connections. He doesn't speak to or socialize with anyone. No one loves him because he is detached. But when a valentine package is delivered to his house with the message "somebody loves you" things begin to change. He begins to look at everyone differently - having no idea from whom the gift was given. Before you know it he has become a loving friend to many, and he is loved in return. He then finds out that the valentine package was delivered to him by mistake and returns to his old ways assuming that nobody does love him. But by this time he has made many new friends who care very much and inspire him with the message that somebody does love him after all!

This is a story that teaches that to receive love you have only to give it. A great book to share with young children.

Sometimes, when I have the time between marching band and homework, I venture into the depths of my closet to get find my boxes of picture books. This (along with Where The Wild Things Are) is one of my absolute favorites. I'll bet that you don't know too many fifteen-year-olds who visit their picture books, so me admitting this is quite special. Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch is a sweet and touching story that I personally think should be on every child's bookshelf. I may not be able to take the stereo or the cat with me when I go off to college in a couple years, but I'll certainly be taking this book.

"Mr Hatch was tall and thin and he did not smile. Every morning at 6:30 sharp he would leave his brick house and walk eight blocks to the shoelace factory where he worked. At lunchtime he would sit alone in a corner, eat his cheese and mustard sandwich, and drink a cup of coffee. Sometimes he brought a prune for dessert." So begins the story of Mr Hatch, a lonely, quiet man that no one really ever noticed. That is, until the day the big box arrived. Mr Hatch had never received a package before. He excitedly ripped open the wrapping to find a large heart-shaped box filled with candy, and a special note that said, "Somebody loves you." "And then he did something he had never done before: He laughed. He laughed and danced and clapped his hands." He went out for a walk and met and helped his neighbors. He brought his big heart-shaped box to work and shared it with all his co-workers. He baked brownies and made lemonade and had a big party for all the neighborhood children in his backyard and played his harmonica. Mr Hatch bloomed! But all his newfound joy was about to end when the embarrassed postman knocked at the door..... Eileen Spinelli has written a lovely and endearing picture book with a gentle message that is sure to warm the hearts of youngsters and adults alike. Her simple and easy to read text, complete with feel good, happily-ever-after ending, is complemented by Paul Yalowitz's engaging, colored pencil illustrations, full of special details, and children will love watching the artwork bloom, just like Mr Hatch does, from subdued browns and yellows to bright happy colors. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch is a wonderful read aloud story the entire family can enjoy together for Valentine's Day, and every other day of the year, too.

Mr. Hatch is both touching and uplifting, a true commentary of the human spirit. Mrs. Spinelli has written a book that for my family will always remain one of our very favorites. The best thing I can say about it is that after reading it many times, we are now on the lookout for potential Mr. Hatches of our own.

I heard this book read aloud today in front of 40 adults. Tears and smiles were both present by the final page. This is a book that is just as important to share with adults as children in our fast, impersonal world. Take time to read, to smile, to say "Hello, how are you?",and most importantly, .....to listen.

Poor Mr. Hatch...a lonesome soul. Until one day he receives a package with a note saying "Somebody loves you". His whole life changes! I love that the illustrations, starting out rather drab and gray, turn into lovely colors as Mr. Hatch lets down his shy defenses and opens up to those around him. If you've seen "The Wizard of Oz"...and who hasn't?... you'll notice the similarities in the black and white Kansas to technicolor Oz.

This book is not only heart-warming, it teaches a message that everyone, even the shyest and drabbest of people, is worthy of love. So sweet!

...My first experience with this book was when the pastor of our church read it to our congregation as his entire sermon on a particular Sunday not too long ago. A very touching story of how we all deserve to be loved, are loved and love-able, if we open our hearts to the possibility, and how the knowledge of that can transform our lives. This is not just a book for children, though I am buying enough copies to send to all the children on my Christmas list, as well as to donate to local school libraries. I dare anyone with a heart to read this book and not shed a tear. The most heartwarming and uplifing children's book I've read since "I'll Love You Forever ..."

It's such a heartwarming story. It teaches you that you can be happy. I've read the book so many times! It's a great book that you'll love reading again and aagain.

I bought this book for each member of my family and recommended it to friends. I love to watch my husband read it to our little girls. It brings a tear to his eye every time. The message comes through clearly, love is a powerful and wonderful thing...for everyone.

This is a sweet and touching story, a demonstration of the transforming power of love. The pictures are fun, a little goofy. I read this to my Daisy and Brownie troop last year just before Valentine's Day, and when I finished, the response was "Read it again!" Tuck this one away for many Valentine's Days of rereading and reinforcing the importance of love, attention and caring.