Pre-Trip Fun for Bar Harbor, Maine

"Charlotte's Web" -- The touching friendship between Charlotte and piglet Wilbur is endearing for all ages in this film version of E.B. White's classic. (Preschoolers and Up)

"Murder, She Wrote" -- Set in a folksy Maine town, the "whodunit" adventures of amateur sleuth J.B. Fletcher are good clean fun for mystery buffs. (Pre-Teens and Up)

"The Cider House Rules" -- Tobey Maguire stars as a young man who comes of age in a Maine orphanage in this moving Academy Award-winner for older teens. (Teens and Up)

Blueberry Pancakes --- Look for real Maine blueberries (such as Wyman's frozen) -- they're tiny, but tasty.

Seafood Pasta --- Wait for whole lobster-in-the-rough 'til you can get it fresh off the boat.

"Lobsterman" by Dahlov Ipcar -- With its rustic New England feel, the on-deck adventure of a boy and his triumphant catch keeps water bugs in rapt attention. (Ages 2 to 6)

"One Morning in Maine" by Robert McCloskey -- The author of "Blueberries for Sal" captures the essence of growing up in Maine when Sal loses a tooth on a clamming excursion.(Ages 3 to 8)

"Time of Wonder" by Robert McCloskey -- Kids will be swept away by the beautiful illustrations of Maine coastline and the pure delight of discovering its beachy treasures. (Ages 3 to 8)

"The ABCs of Maine" by Harry Smith -- Maine's child-friendly highlights, one for each letter of the alphabet (Ages 4 to 8)

"Between the Tides" by Fran Hodgkins -- When the tide goes out, where do all the sea creatures go? Answers are here for inquiring minds. (Ages 4 to 8)

"Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee" by Chris Van Dusen -- While Maine is not mentioned, the whimsical rhymes and coastal characters capture the vibrant spirit of seaside life. (Ages 4 to 8)

"The Park Loop Road: A Guide to Acadia National Park's Scenic Byway" by Robert A. Thayer -- Gorgeous illustrations come amazingly close to the breathtaking beauty in store for new (and curious) visitors. (Ages 9 and Up)

Rock Necklaces -- Maine rocks rock. Celebrate them with this wearable craft.

Sea Collage Switch Plates -- These get you in a maritime mood every time you flip the switch.

Nature T-shirt -- Let kids design their own duds to scruff up for outdoor adventures at Acadia National Park.

"Andre" by Lew Dietz, read by Rachel Sieben -- A seal that comes home every year, loyal as a Labrador retriever? That's the true story of Andre, a remarkable harbor seal adopted by a family in Rockland, Maine. (Ages 4 to 8)