The Twelve Cats of Christmas

PreS-Gr 2—In the 12 days leading up to Christmas, cats enjoy the holiday season their way by batting bows, wearing dress-up clothes, and sitting on presents. Some of them take a nap under the tree, while others shred the wrapping paper. They even help out Santa. Their antics get even messier when they climb the tree, causing it to fall in an epic and amusing fashion. As a bonus, readers can meet the 12 cats and one kitten at the end of the book, where they learn the cats' names, likes, dislikes, and favorite Christmas activities. This feline-filled rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a fun read. As one would expect with so many cats, chaos and mischief ensue during this; readers will enjoy every minute. The eye-catching illustrations hilariously capture the cats' personalities, emotions, and eventual destruction of the holiday decorations. VERDICT A feline-filled "The Twelve Days of Christmas" sure to delight picture book readers and cat lovers. A purrfect purchase.—Myiesha Speight

A twinkling Christmas tree with all the trimmings is the purrfect playground for the kitties given to the narrator of Flores's funny, furry carol variation. "On the third day of Christmas,/ my true love gave me cats:/ THREE dressed up,/ Two batting bows,/ And a kitten/ under the tree." And things only get hairier from there. Exhibiting behaviors well known to cat lovers, the exceptionally expressive proliferating felines alternate between curling up for a nap and expending feisty bursts of energy, ripping wrapping paper, chasing ribbon, and yep, climbing that irresistible tree. Liao expertly conveys a knowing affection for the kitty characters in winning, fluidly rendered scenes that pinball from frenzied, chaotic action to serene cuddliness. Brief profiles of all 13 felines--replete with names, dislikes, and favorite Christmas activities--conclude. All ages. (Oct.)