Norman Bridwell Dies (Clifford the Big Red Dog)

[tubemonkey]

Norman Bridwell, author/cartoonist, best known for Clifford the Big Red Dog, passed away recently at the age of 86 (15 Feb 1928 ~ 12 Dec 2014).

Bridwell put together a portfolio and attempted to get a job as a children's book illustrator but was rejected by around fifteen publishing houses. While at Harper & Row, an editor offhandedly suggested he turn one of his drawings into a story. The drawing was of a baby girl and a horse-sized bloodhound, and the story became Clifford The Big Red Dog. That book spawned over 40 best-selling Clifford books, two television series, merchandise, and a live musical.

Clifford the Big Red Dog is an eponymously titled American children's book series about a big red dog named Clifford. It was first published in 1963 and was written by Norman Bridwell. The series helped establish Scholastic Books as a premier publishing company, and Clifford himself is Scholastic's official mascot.

[cromag]

I heard this today. I have fond memories of reading many of his stories to my kids.

[crich70]

I remember checking it out of my public library as a young kid. Sad. I note he died on my birthday.