What a treat to be joined by MASN reporter and journalist Mel Antonen. When I asked if he would join me on "Hitting the Books," he immediately said yes - and even more quickly said he had a couple of children's books he would like to talk about.

When you get that kind of response that requires no time and is delivered with enthusiasm, I can't wait to hear what he has to say. I was right.

His books, "George, Paul, John and Ben" and "Cowboy and Octopus," are wonderful.

They immediately reminded me of perhaps the finest cartoon show ever created-"The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle." Like the show, these books have both a child and an adult level, magically woven into one story.

Mel clearly made lifetime memories for his children with these books. Just listen.

Mel brings to us a joy of reading for his children and himself that is clearly ingrained in a lifestyle of love and sharing. Love it.

From the Enoch Pratt Free Library comes this recommendation regarding children's literature from librarian Ellen Riordan, the chief of planning, programs and partnerships. Her recommendation: "Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson.

"This year's star-studded picture won both the coveted Newbery medal, the Oscar of children's literature, for is spare, evocative prose, and the equally prestigious Caldecott honor medal for its vibrant, illuminating illustrations," she said. "The narrative is simple by timeless. A young boy and his grandmother take a journey through their diverse community and take note of all the warm and complexity of life in a city. Family ties, empathy for others, the joy of giving are all precisely and perfected articulated for young readers. This amazing book is sure to become a classic and is a must for family sharing this summer."

Thanks, Ellen. To win both of these awards is amazing.

Gary Thorne is the play-by-play voice of the Orioles on MASN, and the 2016 season is his 10th with the club and 31st covering Major League Baseball. His blog will appear regularly throughout the season. The Orioles and Sarasota County 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.

* Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne. © Copyright 2016 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.