Christmas kitten A touch-and-feel book

PreS--This sweet Christmas title provides a sensory touch-and-feel option that will appeal to many children. It introduces traditions, opening by saying, "The clock strikes twelve on Christmas Eve; all is quiet in the house. Kitten is curled up fast asleep by the fireplace with Mouse." Illustrations show a Christmas tree in the living room, two stockings hung by the fireplace, and Kitten and Mouse cuddled up together. There is also a plate of cookies for Santa, and children can touch the milk. In subsequent pages, young readers are introduced to a snowman and Santa and his reindeer before the family opens presents Christmas morning. There are special opportunities to feel Kitten's fur, a snowman, Rudolph's nose as he pulls Santa's sled, Santa's beard, and Teddy Bear's belly. Illustrations complement the text. Another strength is the vocabulary, which includes words like glitters, chuckles, and glee. The last line of the book reads, "Early on Christmas morning, gifts are tucked beneath the tree. And a teddy with a bright red bow is met with cries of glee!" VERDICT Highly recommended for library collections. This holiday title's sensory touch-and-feel option will be a popular one for many families.--Robin Sofge