The Twelve Cats of Christmas

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.)