A "Beastly" Christmas coloring books (5-pack)
Natividad Briones

This five-copy package of coloring books for young children is based on imagery from A "Beastly" Christmas (also available from CSS Publishing).

Centering around the theme of the familiar song "The Friendly Beasts," A "Beastly" Christmas is an intriguing program that depicts what the animals who witnessed Jesus' birth might really have been thinking -- if they had human minds. There's humorous interplay among camels, sheep, cows, and the donkey that carried the pregnant Mary as they share their unique perspective on the nativity. A "Beastly" Christmas is a complete presentation which allows many different parts of the congregation to participate; speaking roles can be performed in a readers' theater format by adults or youth, young children can portray the humans at the manger in a silent tableau, and musical selections allow the choir to be involved as well. A special feature is more than 70 reproducible drawings that can be projected for audience viewing. (Purchase of A "Beastly" Christmas includes access to a downloadable PowerPoint file for use in performances.) It's an adaptable drama that's ideal for use not only in church settings, but also in schools or for children's programs.

Natividad Briones is a member of the worship team at First Baptist Church in Porterville, California. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and merchant marine, Briones began drawing caricatures of fellow sailors. He subsequently did freelance cartooning, and he has prepared composite sketches for the Los Angeles Police Department and the Tulare County Sheriff's Department.