The 12 Pets of Christmas

Animal lovers won’t be disappointed by the gifts given in this photographic holiday staging of the traditional carol. “On the first day of Christmas, Santa gave to me a sleepy little puppy.” For each subsequent day, readers meet a new group of pets. They include “3 squirmy hamsters,” “5 spotted pigs,” and “7 pugs a-playing.” On the 12th day, with the gift of “12 bulldogs cuddling” (most asleep or on their way there), readers are invited to sing the rest of the cumulative lyrics. The bright photographs of the animals wearing Santa hats and bows are enough to warm even the most curmudgeonly of hearts. Ages up to 3. (Oct.)