Woof, woof! It's Christmas at Biscuit's house, and this little board book lets a baby get both hands into it, literally. Textures are tucked through the pages: Biscuit's cozy red sweater to pat, a horse's shaggy mane to touch, and, best of all, Santa's fluffy white beard.

Alyssa Satin Capucilli's small yellow puppy has taught countless children to love books, and the touch-and-feel format meets babies exactly where they are, in the everything-into-the-hands stage. Pat Schories' warm pictures keep each spread simple: one moment of Christmas, one thing to feel, a few words to hear.

Twelve sturdy pages, seven inches square, sized for a stocking and priced for one. A first Christmas book for the newest member of the family, and a gentle way to keep small hands busy while the bigger kids tear wrapping paper.