'At Scholastic, we are deeply saddened by the loss of our loyal and talented friend whose drawings and stories have inspired all of us and generations of children and their parents,' Robinson said. Norman Bridwell was the author and illustrator of numerous childrens books, including the beloved Clifford series. 'What comforts the reader is that Clifford is always forgiven by Emily Elizabeth, who loves him unconditionally.' Clifford is Scholastic's official mascot. It was first published in 1963 and was written by Norman Bridwell. 'The magic of the character and stories Norman created with Clifford is that children can see themselves in this big dog who tries very hard to be good, but is somewhat clumsy and always bumping into things and making mistakes,' Robinson said in a statement. Clifford the Big Red Dog is an American children's book series about the adventures of a precocious girl named Emily Elizabeth and her titular pet: a giant, red-furred dog named Clifford. And Clifford's fictional home, Birdwell Island, not only has a name similar to that of the Bridwell family, but resembles their own Martha's Vineyard home.

Emily Elizabeth was named for the couple's daughter. Clifford was originally to be named Tiny, Scholastic said, but Bridwell's wife, Norma, suggested the dog be named after her childhood imaginary friend. Bridwell's manuscript was turned down by nine publishers before Scholastic accepted it, the company said.Ĭlifford is a 25-foot-tall dog owned by 8-year-old Emily Elizabeth. The first Clifford book was published in 1963, but not without a struggle.

The author of clifford the big red dog