Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli
Illustrated by Paul Yalowitz
Published by Bradbury Press
1991

     "Mr. Hatch was tall and thin and he did not smile." He was quite unsociable. Then, one day the postman delivers to him a gigantic box of chocolates in a heart shaped box with a note that read, "Somebody loves you." It was Valentine's Day.  He was shocked to realized he had a secret admirer! "And then he did something he had never done before: He laughed. He laughed and danced and clapped his hands."  And his joy was contagious. He suddenly became friendly, helpful, generous.  He baked for the neighbors and lent a helping hand everywhere he went.
     Months later the postman returned and admitted he had made a mistake and the box of chocolates was never supposed to have been delivered to Mr. Hatch. It was the wrong address. Mr. Hatch was heartbroken.  But, when you give so much, all that love comes back to you. And this time, there was not one, but a whole town of admirers of Mr. Hatch ready to show him how much they loved him.
     Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch is without a doubt my favorite read aloud to share for Valentine's Day.  It's a great story, with a great plot, and with a long text perfect for the upper elementary grades.  Great book to open up a conversation about showing others your appreciation and love.