This is a realistic fiction book. The illustrations in this book are done in colored pencils. They are tied into the story very well; when Mr. Hatch is lonely the colors are muted and the pictures are small, however when Mr. Hatch gets the valentine, there is a bright splash of red and the pictures are much larger. The content of this book is about an old man who lives alone and does not have any friends. He receives a valentine one day that says, "Somebody loves you!" He begins to open up to others and make friends. He learns the valentine was sent to him on accident and retreats into his shell again. His new friends band together to show him how much he really is loved. The reading level of this book is for third to fourth graders. Some curricular connections for this book are loneliness, isolation, friendship, and realistic fiction.

This picture book is my favorite for Valentine's Day. Mr. Hatch is a lonely, friendless man, until he receives a present from a secret admirer. Then, he blooms, contributing greatly to his community. It is a lovely story about being a good friend, especially on Valentine's Day. ( )