A CELEBRATION OF MAINE CHILDREN’S BOOKS by Lynn Plourde and Paul Knowles, University of Maine Press, Orono, 1998, 336 pages with 72 illustrations, $16.

They’ll be home — our children, that is. Even if we don’t get clobbered by a few school-canceling snowstorms, the February and April vacations come with notoriously unpredictable weather. Do we want our kids zoning out on soap operas and talk shows with less than appropriate topics? Do we want to referee endless bouts of bored, battling siblings? I don’t think so. Fortunately, for those of us who don’t have the option of traveling to the Magic Kingdom, Lynn Plourde and Paul Knowles have created a much less expensive source of fun and enrichment.

Plourde, a speech-language therapist, loves reading picture books. Knowles, for years an English teacher, has explored Maine books extensively with his students. Together they collect Maine children’s books which they share with their own three children. Not surprisingly, this family passion has inspired in them an evangelical fervor to share with others the literary treasures of their state. “A Celebration of Maine Children’s Books” is just that — a celebration of the many wonderful books they have discovered.

One hundred eighty-five books (chosen from a field of 400) are profiled in loving detail. From picture and chapter books to literature anthologies and poetry to biographies and informational books — there is something to suit every taste. Some such as Margaret Wise Brown’s “Big Red Barn” and E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web” have been cherished for generations. Others such as Diana Applebaum’s “Cocoa Ice” and Kate Rowinski’s “Cats in the Dark” are new shining gems. Biographies of authors and illustrators add to the enjoyment and understanding of their work.

However, the most exciting feature of the book is the learning activities — at least three per book. In addition to providing children and families with opportunities for learning and self-expression, they celebrate the life-enhancing relationships that develop between children and the books they love. “They don’t just read a book and put it down.” Plourde said. “They come back to it again and again.”

Families can do many activities together. Instructions are so well-written that older children can work independently. The range and variety are breathtaking. Readers of Peter and Connie Roop’s “Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie” can research lighthouses and how they work (science), read an old diary to discover how life was different “back then” (social studies), or create a tape recording of the story complete with sound effects and play it for younger children (drama).

Activities exist for every age from preschool to teen. Some projects give older siblings a chance to create treasures for younger siblings, enhancing family bonds. My Amber, 8, could design a very personal alphabet book for Katie, 5, who, in turn, could make Adam, 22 months, a counting or coloring book.

From conception to publication the creation of “A Celebration of Maine Children’s Books” took nine years. When one publisher dropped the project, Plourde and Knowles had to scramble to find another. This change necessitated extensive rewriting. An editor’s heart attack created further delay. So many obstacles had to be overcome, Plourde’s most exciting moment came when she finally held the published book in her hands.

Plourde wrote to authors and illustrators to obtain biographical information. When they replied she received letters she will save forever. “They were so willing to share stories,” she said.”They were so proud of their Maine connections.”

Plourde would like readers to explore the rich world of Maine children’s books. “Find a treasure they already know about and learn something new. Discover at least one new treaure they can share with their children and be excited about.”

She also wants to inspire people with different perspectives to try to become published. “We don’t have enough written about The County or the mountains. We don’t all live on the coast. There isn’t enough Maine children’s poetry.”

Fans of “A Celebration of Maine Children’s Books” may be in for a real treat. There are plans to update the book every five years, substituting new books for ones that go out of print.

The one downside to this book is that it won’t long retain its new look. Frequent family use is already giving my review copy a slightly dogeared appearance. But isn’t that a small price to pay for a treasure?