Clifford the Big Red Literacy Champion

He's the star of more than 40 children's books. He's been loved by generations. And next year, Clifford the Big Red Dog will turn 50.

To celebrate, publisher Scholastic Books is planning everything from Clifford toothbrushes to board games to tricycles. There's also a Clifford musical in the works.

But, behind the magical dog is his creator, Norman Bridwell. The Kokomo, Indiana native was born in 1928 and dreamed up Clifford in 1962. Bridwell now lives on Martha's Vineyard with his family.

There are more than 44 million copies of Bridwell's books in print worldwide, available in multiple languages.

I sat down with Bridwell in advance of the Big Red Dog's 50th.

Earl: How did you get your start in writing? And what was the inspiration behind Clifford?

Norman: I never planned on being a writer. I was 34 when I wrote my first book. When I was a boy, I made up a lot of stories to entertain myself, but I never wrote them down. I wanted to be an artist, and worked as a cartoonist designing slides and film strips for sales meetings.

In 1962, I was having a bad year as an artist. We were out of work a lot. My wife Norma knew I always wanted to illustrate children's books. She encouraged me to try. I made several sample pictures and took them to publishers. No one liked my art. One editor suggested I try writing a story. She pointed to a painting I had done of a small girl with a gigantic red dog. When I was young, I always wanted a dog I could ride like a pony. He was red because I had a jar of red paint open on my desk that day.

I went home and I made up a story in about three days. I just tried to think of all of the things you could do with a big dog. I was shocked when Scholastic Books decided to publish the book.

Earl: Why do you think so many children (and parents) adore Clifford? Did you ever imagine he would become so popular?

Norman: Clifford is not perfect. He means well but he makes mistakes. Emily always forgives him. I guess the color red is a favorite color. Some other author said to me, "You have a warm friendly dinosaur." I never dreamed he would be so popular.

(Clifford greets a fan. Courtesy of Reach Out and Read)

Earl: What makes a good children's book? What are the key components of a successful story?

Norman: I think a good book has humor and suspense. Try to keep them guessing what the next page will bring. I try to make the words tell a slightly different story than the pictures. Kids like being surprised.

Earl: You grew up during the Great Depression. How did books help you to cope during difficult times?

Norman: When I was growing up, books helped me escape into fantasy worlds and into history. My big brother was a big help. He read to me and then brought me books that were above my reading level. It helped me improve my skills.

Earl: What five books do you think every child should have in her home? (Besides Clifford, of course!)

Norman: Choosing five books for a child is difficult. There are so many good one. "Where the Wild Things Are" is obvious. I also would say "Pinocchio," "The Wizard of Oz," "Treasure Island," and anything focused on volcanoes and dinosaurs.

Earl: Do you have hints on encouraging creativity or imaginary play in children?

Norman: Turn off the TV for a while. Give children pencils and crayons and stay out of the way. Don't try to guide them. Let them put their thoughts on paper. I loved making up imaginary stories for adventure of imaginary people in imaginary lands.

 

Comments

[MikeyJaii]

02:42 AM on 01/26/2011

That's good, keep encouraging younger child to read & learn.