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Summary: I Loved Mr. Hatch Too!
Review: "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.
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Summary: Touching the Heart
Review: ...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 ..."
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Summary: Sappy sweet, a perfect valentine
Review: I bought this book as a valentine present for my young children, and am not at all disappointed. It's just as sweet as the candy they munched on while we read it, only with a moral lesson barely hidden under the sugar. We all know Mr. Hatch--he's that grumpy old man down the street or the weird guy who catches the bus on the corner. Not only do we know him, but odds are, we have all felt like a Mr. Hatch at some point in our lives--slightly outcast, a little unloved or forgotten. What we discover is that although Mr. Hatch WAS unloved and forgotten, it was truly his own behaviour that isolated him from his world. For the Hatch in us, we learn the power of positive action; for the side of us that looks at the Hatches of the world and judges, it's a reminder that we don't really know them, and that simple acts of kindness can mean so very much. The book is a little predictable, but it's a children's book and the predictability is not only acceptable, but needed. It's a winner--and one I'll treasure long after Valentine's Day.
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Summary: A Family Favorite
Review: 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.
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Summary: A wonderful story about love and friendship!
Review: I defy any adult to read this story without getting a tear in the eye and a catch in the throat. I read this book to two groups of first graders today and nearly started crying--and I'm a 40-year-old man! What a beautiful story.
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Summary: I love this book!
Review: 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.
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Summary: Mr. Hatch will win your heart!
Review: 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!
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Summary: Mr. Hatch's frowny face by Jordan Pfeffer-eight years old
Review: Positive thinking can transform our lives. And this book's tale of Mr. Hatch shows us exactly how that transformation occurs. This is a wonderful story that traces what happens when one lonely man comes to believe that someone loves him. Suddenly his dreary daily routine opens up to new patterns of relating to everyone around him. There are so many Life Lessons in here. What we believe, can be. All love begins with self-love. And the impact of kind gestures, accidental or intentional, have far-reaching ripple effects. This book contains uplifting messages to be savored by young and old.
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Summary: Powerful and Lovable
Review: Positive thinking can transform our lives. And this book's tale of Mr. Hatch shows us exactly how that transformation occurs. This is a wonderful story that traces what happens when one lonely man comes to believe that someone loves him. Suddenly his dreary daily routine opens up to new patterns of relating to everyone around him. There are so many Life Lessons in here. What we believe, can be. All love begins with self-love. And the impact of kind gestures, accidental or intentional, have far-reaching ripple effects. This book contains uplifting messages to be savored by young and old.
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Summary: Touching the Heart
Review: 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.
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