This no-nonsense little book is exactly what it claims to be: a beginning board book about Christmas, complete with bold, pleasing photographs of bells, stars, mistletoe, and a baby Jesus in his Nativity manger. Headings on each spread seem more for the adult: "House decorations," "Christmas plants." Children will be more interested in the items suggested by these categories: candles, holly and berries, Christmas trees. Sections on "Christmas counting" (three kings, seven angels), "Christmas shapes" (crescent, star), "How many?" (Are there more red balls than blue bows?) and "Matching shapes" help the youngest reader practice developmental skills, while the dozens of pictures with labels throughout assist with vocabulary and prereading skills. A nice, quiet book, perfect for baby"s first (or second) Christmas. (Baby to preschool) --Emilie Coulter