Caleea, the Christmas Camel

Who would ever think that camels could fly?

They can in this fanciful Christmas story. When the guiding star the Wise Men are following disappears, it is left to CALEEA, a small, gentle camel to lead them to the manger of the Christ Child.

In return for her unerring obedience to the instructions from an Angelic Voice to "follow her heart," this earth-bound beast of burden is given the Gift of Flight from midnight Christmas Eve to sunrise Christmas morning. This gift, CALEEA is told, is an endowment to future generations.

The same spirit, shown by CALEEA at the first Christmas is revealed again in the present-day camel family of Patriarch Shakar through his son, Talbis. The misadventures of adolescent Talbis during his flight and the forgiveness of his apparent disobedience makes this legend a delightful tale for children.

BACKGROUND

CALEEA, THE CHRISTMAS CAMEL

• Published by Weekly Reader as a Paperback Book Club selection. Since publication, copyright has reverted to co-authors.
• Recipient of cash award for radio adaptation of an original work in AUDIO IMAGES competition sponsored by Ashland Oil Company and West Virginia Public Radio.
• Radio adaptation broadcast for two consecutive years by West Virginia Public Radio on Tuesday’s Child series.
• Received an award by the West Virginia Writer’s Conference
• Received an award by the West Virginia Press Women’s Association for children’s literature.
• Originally conceived as an animated Christmas show with five songs. Registered with Writer’s Guild of America.

To obtain a copy of the Caleea screenplay for animated television, send request to: sendjuliamail@yahoo.com

Julia Sadd and the late Kay Adams, co-authored Caleea the Christmas Camel and Della's Palace, an original play with music and song performed by adult students of the late Rosetta Lenoire at the AMAS REPERTORY THEATRE in New York City.

ORDER: Caleea the Christmas Camel
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