Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Clifford the Big Red Dog



Clifford the Big Red Dog is an enduring American children's book series that began being published in 1962. Written by Norman Bridwell, the series helped establish Scholastic Books as a premier publishing company.

Clifford was the runt of the litter, and was chosen by a city kid named Emily Elizabeth Howard as her birthday present. No one expected Clifford to grow, but Emily Elizabeth's love for her Saint Bernard (or Great Dane according to some sources) puppy changed Clifford dramatically.




Before long, he was over 25 feet tall, forcing the Howard family to leave the city and move to the open spaces of Birdwell Island. Birdwell is an anagram of author Norman Bridwell's last name.
Scholastic Studios produced a successful television adaptation shown on PBS Kids.

Clifford the Big Red Dog was one of several PBS Kids shows designed to teach children a number of life lessons. One principle was kept religiously: the dogs talked only when humans were not present; otherwise, they only barked.
Veteran actor and devoted family man John Ritter was the voice of Clifford.

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