Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne: "Every Thing On It"

So one more for the year. First, my sincerest thanks to Olivia Witherite, our videographer and digital editor, and Pete Kerzel, our content editor. They are the best. Their earnest interest in Hitting the Books is deeply appreciated.

To all who have looked in, thanks. May we always love to read.

We end this season of Hitting the Books with a treasure for all ages, "Every Thing On It" by Shel Silverstein.

Silverstein is largely known for his book of poetry for kids (read that 1 through 101 years), "Where the Sidewalk Ends."

This book is written in a similar vain: poetry so immersed in joy and meaning that it could only be composed by a writing genus.

If you have children of any age, please read this with them. Read out loud. Read at bedtime. Read at noon. Read on vacation. Read when this whole world seems to be caving in.

Read to yourself. Read to yourself out loud. Listen to the words.

Silverstein lived from 1930 to 1999. He won two Grammies, and had Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations.

His cartoons have been featured everywhere and no more importantly than in the books of poems.

My daughter and I take turns reading our favorites to each other at bedtime. What a joy. You will come to know the page numbers of your favorites - they can never be read too many times.

"If you are a dreamer come in" ― Shel Silverstein

Gary Thorne is the play-by-play voice of the Orioles on MASN, and the 2018 season is his 12th with the club and 33nd covering Major League Baseball. His blog will appear regularly throughout the season. The Orioles and Sarasota County, for the 7th consecutive year, have partnered on the Big League Reader Program, which rewarded kids who read three books in February with tickets to a Grapefruit League game at Ed Smith Stadium in March. 180 children participated last year.

* Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne. © Copyright 2018 Gary F. Thorne. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Gary F. Thorne and MASNsports.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.