coloring book: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Coloring books have entertained children since the 1880 when McLoughlin Brothers offered "Little Folks' Painting Book." As the title of the 1880 book suggests, most such art books were colored with paints until the 1950 brought Crayola's box of 64 crayons, placing an abundance of hues and shades at a young artist's fingertips. Considered by parents as a quiet, solitary activity, coloring simple illustrations in specially printed books was seen as a way to encourage children's artisitic talents. Early coloring books featured illustrations of characters from popular newspaper comics such as Richard Outcault's Buster Brown, Harold Grey's Li'l Orphan Annie. Later books, from the 1950 and 1960, offered illustrations of scores of TV figures such as Dennis the Menace, Daniel Boone, the Lone Ranger, Julia Baker, and the Flintstones. These days, most TV shows and movies aimed at youngsters have series of coloring books, reminding kids of their favorite characters even when the shows are over.