Looking to keep the kids entertained during long car rides or holiday dinners? Wrap up a book.

Among this year’s selections:

BOARD BOOKS

"Maisy’s Christmas Tree," by Lucy Cousins: Maisy the mouse and pals Cyril and Tallulah prepare for the holiday, from trimming the tree to singing carols. Candlewick Press, ages 2-5.

"Dinosaur vs. Santa," by Bob Shea: A smiley dino wears a bright orange snowsuit, makes gifts for his parents and sneaks downstairs on Christmas Eve. Disney-Hyperion, ages 3-5.

ANIMAL LOVERS

"Pete the Cat Saves Christmas," created and illustrated by James Dean, story by Eric Litwin: In this retelling of "The Night Before Christmas," the can-do kitty is called upon to deliver gifts when Santa falls ill. The feline’s "minibus flew, just like in a movie" and "Pete the Cat cried, ‘This is totally groovy!’" Harper, ages 4-8.

"The Animals’ Santa," by Jan Brett: Meticulously drawn forest creatures await the arrival of this special Santa. The animals recall gifts of Christmases past. There was a puzzle for the crows hanging from their tree branch and a brush to fluff his tail for the arctic fox. A magnificent finish from the beloved Brett features a snowy owl in a starry Santa’s cap and a basket full of booty strapped to his breast. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, ages 3-5.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

"CC Claus: A Baseball Christmas Story," by CC Sabathia, written with Ray Negron, pictures by Laura Seeley: Star Yankees pitcher Sabathia enlists the help of George Steinbrenner and baseball stars of yore to help two boys in need of gloves and balls, after their letter to Santa lands in Sabathia’s fan mail. Ecco, ages 5-up.

"Star Bright: A Christmas Story," by Alison McGhee and Peter H. Reynolds: The newest angel, a girl in a pilot’s cap and goggles, tries to come up with a gift for baby Jesus. She hurtles down to Earth and becomes the star that lights up the night sky. The book contrasts a futuristic heaven with old-world illustrations for the birth of Jesus. Atheneum, ages 4-8.

CLASSICS

"A Little Women Christmas," by Heather Vogel Frederick, pictures by Bagram Ibatoulline: This adaptation of a portion of Louisa May Alcott’s "Little Women" is a good introduction to the March family. Mother and the girls are alone for the holiday while Father recuperates in a hospital after hard service as a Union Army chaplain. Jo has cut off her hair to earn money as she vows there will be gifts. Simon & Schuster, ages 4-8.