Valentine’s Day Book Recommendation
“Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch”

Mr. Hatch is a lonely man who keeps to himself. But when he receives a rather large valentine from an anonymous admirer, he realizes that he is loved, and his view of himself and those around him changes. He feels a new desire to show kindness for the people he encounters each day.

Eventually he learns that the valentine was delivered to him by mistake, and once again, his view of life changes.

Even though the illustrations, by Paul Yalowitz, seem plain and unassuming (just like Mr. Hatch), this picture book often brings tears to my eyes as I read it to my children, who look at me to see why my voice is sounding wierd. It reminds me of how what we do each day affects those around us, and how powerful small acts of kindness and expressions of love can be.

Apparently I'm not the only one who loves this book. It has been put on as a play in Chicago,

and you can listen and see it read aloud online by Hector Elizando, this famous guy who's face and voice I recognize, if not his name.

But truly, I think it's the most meaningful when you yourself read Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch to a child you love.