Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch (paperback)

This is a story about a man named Mr hatch. Mr hatch does the same thing every day. Mr hatch gets a package one day that makes him happy. In the end Mr hatch finds out how many friends he has.

A not-so social man changes his ways when a simple note he recieves reads "someone loves you." The idea that someone loves himself excites him and makes him dance for joy.

Genre: Fiction
Age(s): 5-8

“Somebody Loves you, Mr. Hatch” was an excellent book that I enjoyed very much. First, I liked the book because of the character Mr. Hatch. Mr. Hatch liked to live his life according to a strict routine. He ate the same thing every day, wore the same outfit, and only spoke to people when he had

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to. All the characters in the book would say “Mr. Hatch likes to keep to himself.” However, when Mr. Hatch was sent a giant box of candy on Valentine’s Day with a note that said, “Somebody loves YOU” he became much more outgoing and interactive with people. I think Mr. Hatch is a very relatable character because of this transformation. There have been many times in my life where I have been distant from people because of my own insecurities. I think it is a very common thing for people to come out of their shell when they feel as though people actually do like them. I found Mr. Hatch to be a very authentic character whose struggles with acceptance were very relevant to my own. Secondly, I liked the book for its story line. Like stated above, in the beginning of the book Mr. Hatch was a very withdrawn and lonely character until he received a box of candy in the mail with a note on it that said, “Somebody loves you.” Given a boost of confidence from the candy, Mr. Hatch became a very friendly and adored member of his community. However, Mr. Hatch learned that the box of candy was not meant for him and reverted back to his lonely ways. The other characters in the book, who grew to love Mr. Hatch, decorated Mr. Hatch’s house with candy and streamers saying “Everybody Loves Mr. Hatch.” At the end of the book Mr. Hatch said, “I do believe, somebody loves me after all.” I thought this was such a great storyline because it showed the importance of telling people you love them. I feel as though many books exemplify the importance of love and showing it with actions, but not saying it. Saying “I love you” is such an important thing that everyone needs to hear on a regular basis to actually feel loved and accepted. I loved the story line of “Somebody Loves you, Mr. Hatch” because I thought it exemplified the importance of saying “I love you” so well. “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch” has two main ideas. The first is what I discussed earlier which is the significance of saying I love you. The second main idea is to tell readers to always be forthcoming and friendly with people because that is how you make friends. In the beginning of the book when Mr. Hatch is withdrawn from all the people in his community and workplace no one can get to know him in order to be friends with him. However, when Mr. Hatch starts to open up to people everyone learns what a great friend he is. This message of “to have a friend is to be a friend” is such an important one because people sometimes forget making friends is a two way street. “Somebody Loves you, Mr. Hatch” is an excellent book with a great story line and insightful meaning.

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A random act of kindness changes Mr. Hatch from quiet and uninvolved to generous and thoughtful. I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline. I found the theme of one kind act impacting someone to be an inspiring theme for young readers. The plot could help readers think about tough issues and broaden

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their perspectives. For example at a key turning point in the plot the community could keep to themselves or be kind to Mr. Hatch. They chose to be kind as they remembered Mr. Hatch's kindnesses to each of them. The characters were believable. Each person from the little girl to the deli man could be someone in one's own community. The treatment of the elderly was respectful and well rounded. At times, the older character experienced self doubt as a younger person might.

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I read this book ever February for Valentine's Day. It is a treasure to teach kindness and care for others regardless of age.

A wonderful book about spreading kindness!

Mr. Hatch lived his days on a pretty strict routine, and always kept to himself. When he receives a Valentine card saying someone loves him, his whole perspective on life begins to change. He bakes brownies for people, watches the newsstand when Mr. Smith is sick, and helps the butcher find his

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daughter. Everyone in town notices this kindness. But one day he discover the Valentine was meant for someone else. Heartbroken, he resumes his routine. But then, the neighborhood bands together to show Mr. Hatch he is loved.
I thought this story did a great job of showing the importance of kindness without being too preachy about it. I also liked that the book gives specific examples on kind things both adults and children can do.

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A sweet story about community and how being loved can change a person for good.