PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheets.
2. Beat butter and vanilla in large bowl at high speed of electric mixer until fluffy. Add powdered sugar; beat at medium speed until blended. Combine flour and salt in small bowl. Gradually add to butter mixture until blended.
3. Divide dough into 10 equal sections. Reserve 1 section; cover and refrigerate remaining 9 sections. Combine reserved section and desired food coloring in small bowl; blend well.
4. Cut dough section in half. Roll each half into 5-inch log. Pinch one end to resemble crayon tip. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Repeat with remaining 9 sections of dough and desired food colorings.
5. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely on cookie sheets.
6. Combine chocolate chips and shortening in small microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 to 1-1/2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, or until chocolate is melted and smooth. Decorate cookies with chocolate mixture to look like crayons.