Toot and Puddle, along with Opal, enjoy life and one another. In this instance, they are enjoying the winter season and trying to come up with the perfect gift for one another, "something you made yourself, a one-of-a kind thingamajig, not just a whatsit anyone could buy in a store."

This is a Christmas book without the frenzy or the glitz that often accompanies the season. Nor does it bend into the religious sphere. It's all about a true and gentle caring that taps solidly into the heart of the holiday.

Holly Hobbie's uncluttered, watercolor illustrations are painted with a pleasant precision. Dressed in bulky winter sweaters, knitted scarves, and comfortable ski pants, Toot and Puddle are always small within the scene, but expressive, colorful, and central against the background. They are smiling and playful, except on the drizzly, rainy day page when their expressions match their disappointment. And they are always very, very cute.

If kids haven't already met Toot and Puddle, they are in for a treat, not only from this book, but from the others in this series that has spanned the past 10 years. As an extra treat, four limited-edition Toot & Puddle Christmas Ornaments -- simple cardboard rounds depicting four scenes from the book -- are included in the back.