Revisiting a Childhood Favorite: Why Clifford the Big Red Dog Still Delights After Over 50 Years
Introduction
Clifford the Big Red Dog has been a beloved children’s book series for over 50 years, captivating generations of kids with the comedic adventures of a giant yet gentle canine. As someone who grew up reading these books, revisiting them as an adult has brought back many fond memories. In this review, I’ll explore what makes Clifford so timelessly appealing.
You can find Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell on your favorite bookstore, including Amazon.com and Amazon UK.
Table of Contents
About author Norman Bridwell
Norman Bridwell is the beloved American writer and illustrator behind the iconic children’s book series Clifford the Big Red Dog. With over 126 million books sold worldwide since the first Clifford book was published in 1963, Bridwell’s creations have captured the hearts and imaginations of generations of young readers.
But who is the man behind this hugely popular red puppy? Born in 1928 in Kokomo, Indiana, Norman Bridwell displayed artistic talent and a vivid imagination from a very young age. He would entertain his friends by drawing cartoons and illustrations, foreshadowing his future celebrated career. Later, Bridwell honed his skills at the John Herron School of Art in Indianapolis.
After studying art, Bridwell moved to New York City in 1953 to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time artist and author. He struggled at first, taking odd jobs while trying to sell his paintings and drawings. His big break came in 1963 when a publisher suggested he write and illustrate a children’s book. Bridwell created Clifford, modeling the giant pup after his wife’s childhood imaginary friend. Even he could not anticipate the phenomenal success to come.
Over the next decades, Bridwell authored and illustrated well over 100 Clifford books that captivated young readers. The affable main character, Clifford, models kindness and loyal friendship. Supported by relatable stories and adorable illustrations, the series imparts positive values while sparking the imagination. Beyond the books, Clifford became a pop culture icon through animated series, a movie, games, and more.
While Clifford remains his most famous creation, Bridwell authored many other picture books featuring endearing animal characters. His body of work earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Children’s Choice Book Awards. He was also honored in 2012 with the NEAMI Pinnacle Award for his positive portrayal of individuals with differences.
Norman Bridwell led a rich creative life doing what he loved up until his passing in 2014 at age 86. His timeless books and characters live on to bring joy and inspiration to new generations. Bridwell’s enduring legacy is helping shape young minds through heartwarming stories emphasizing friendship, empathy and accepting others’ differences. More than half a century later, his loveable red pup continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
A Premise That Sparked a Phenomenon
The simplicity of the original concept—a bright red puppy that grows to the size of a house—is likely a huge part of why these books stand the test of time. It taps into a universal childhood fantasy of having an impossibly large pet. When creator Norman Bridwell first conceived of Clifford in 1963, he struck gold with that premise.
Who wouldn’t want their own giant cuddly companion who still acts like an adorable, clumsy pup? As fantastical as it is, Bridwell makes it seem tangibly real by rooting the stories in the everyday lives of Clifford’s owner Emily Elizabeth and their small-town community.
Endearing Characters Who Feel Like Family
Like any great series, what really sucks you in is the characters. Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and all their friends and neighbors feel familiar, with unique personalities but realistic dynamics between family members, schoolmates, teachers, and townspeople.
Emily’s loving yet practical mom, constantly cooking meals to feed the titanic pup. The befuddled mailman, struggling to deliver letters to the roof-high doghouse. Clifford’s best friend Cleo, the entitled grey persian cat who agrees to be his dancing partner in a contest. These relationships breathe life into the minimalist colored-pencil world of Birdwell’s illustrations.
Simple Plots That Still Pack an Emotional Punch
The storylines may seem straightforward on the surface, yet they speak to universal childhood experiences. In one book, Clifford accidentally breaks Emily Elizabeth’s prize porcelain doll and feels guilty. In another, T-Bone the bully picks on Clifford until he stands up for himself. These struggles over responsibility, bullying, honesty, kindness, and more are told in an accessible way.
We root for Clifford while also empathizing with characters like neighborhood grouch Mr. Bleakman. The plots may be simple, but Bridwell skillfully weaves in emotional lessons that feel impactful rather than forced. And Clifford’s size adds that fantasy twist that makes the storytelling magical.
A Unique Blend of Slapstick Humor and Gentle Wisdom
What takes these books to the next level is their skillful balance of gentle humor and wisdom. Much of the slapstick comedy stems from Clifford’s sheer enormity and his attempts to live as a normal dog. Flooded bathrooms, stuck doggy doors, trees uprooted as sticks—the visual gags are endless.
Yet the humor never undermines the essential gentleness of Clifford’s character. Despite being larger than several houses, he maintains a childlike curiosity, playfulness and kindness in his giant red heart.
The slapstick also contrasts with subtler life lessons about owning responsibilities, being inclusive, judging someone’s character over appearances, and not making assumptions. Bridwell manages to effortlessly blend humor and heartwarming wisdom that leaves lasting impressions.
Artistic Minimalism That Maximizes Imagination
Another genius aspect of these books is how their sparseness sparks children’s imaginations. As adults revisiting childhood favorites, we often realize how much our minds filled in the minimalist worlds on the page. With scene changes implied through turns of a page, our younger selves visually imagined Clifford’s entire downtown neighborhood, the rooms of Emily’s house, the multiplying pile of gifts under the Christmas tree as the pup kept shaking it with his wagging tail.
It’s a testament to Bridwell’s artistry how utterly those red and black scribbled outlines captured our imagination. The watercolored backgrounds somehow implied entire vivid worlds without showing actual detail. This less-is-more approach serves as a valuable lesson for writers and artists today overwhelmed by the pressures of elaborate world-building.
Sometimes, all you need is a giant red dog to inspire a child’s wonder.
Legacy of Clifford the Big Red Dog
While children’s literature has evolved with the times, these Clifford books feel eternally relevant because they tap into universal childhood themes, told with skillful humor, emotion and simplicity that spark young imaginations. Revisiting Clifford today reminds adults what mattered most as kids: unconditional love and acceptance.
Clifford feels as familiar as old childhood friends because of the kindness and understanding he shows people, no matter their differences. We all deserve acceptance regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or background. Clifford loves shy Mr. Bleakman as much as friendly Emily Elizabeth.
This legacy continues today through the various PBS Kids’ Clifford TV cartoons over the decades, teaching new generations about empathy. And that giant red dog still feels as cuddly as ever!
So if you ever find yourself disillusioned with the meanness of current times, just remember Clifford’s gentle giant spirit. Reconnect with your inner child through books embracing our common humanity. Woof! This big red dog’s incredible ability to spread kindness never gets old.
More Whimsical Children’s Tales To Inspire Wonder
If you enjoyed revisiting Clifford and want to reignite that childlike spark of imagination, here are a few more children’s book classics with universal magical appeal worth diving back into:
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
This 1955 gem also creates an entire world with minimalist lines, letting readers imagine their own adventures as Harold freely draws his reality with his trusty crayon. Whimsical wish fulfillment at its best!
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
We all get angry sometimes, and Max’s imaginative journey to a land of “Wild Things” has helped kids embrace their emotions since 1963. Sendak’s illustrations beautifully balance playfulness and peril.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
This poetic yet spare 1964 tale of unconditional love between a boy and tree tugs the heartstrings no matter what age you read it. Potently bittersweet, it calls us to appreciate those who selflessly care for our needs.
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Originally published in 1922, this tale of a toy rabbit longing to be “real” through the lasting power of love still resonates today. Told with great tenderness, it’s a tearjerker for the child in us all.
Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne
Few childhood classics have stood the test of time like the Hundred Acre Wood gang’s adventures, playfully embraced by children since the 1920s. Their endearing friendships and simple philosophies encapsulate childhood joy.
FAQs
What breed of dog is Clifford the Big Red Dog?
Clifford is an unusually large Labrador Retriever. His size is attributed to Emily Elizabeth’s love and care making him grow bigger than normal. Despite his giant size, Clifford behaves like a normal, playful puppy. His bright red color fur makes him easy to spot.
How did Emily Elizabeth get Clifford as a puppy?
Emily Elizabeth found Clifford as a small red puppy while looking in a strange alley. She convinced her hesitant mother to let her take him home. That night, Clifford grew bigger as Emily Elizabeth’s love for him grew. The next morning, her parents found a giant puppy in place of the tiny one!
Why is Clifford so big compared to other dogs?
Clifford grows enormous in size overnight because of the exceptional love and care Emily Elizabeth gives him as his owner. Something magical about her devotion makes Clifford grow to over 25 feet tall! But he still acts like a regular energetic puppy despite towering over buildings.
Where does Clifford the Big Red Dog take place?
The Clifford book series seems to take place in an unnamed coastal city. Scenes often show beaches and a harbor near the homes and buildings Clifford interacts with. The setting evokes a New England fishing village but leaves exact details up to young readers’ imaginations.
How old is Emily Elizabeth when she gets Clifford?
Emily Elizabeth looks about 5 or 6 years old when she first finds baby Clifford in an alley and takes him home. Young readers can relate to her as she learns to care for and raise her rapidly growing pup. Emily matures a bit over the series as Clifford gets bigger.
What are some of Clifford’s favorite foods?
As a giant, constantly growing puppy, Clifford has quite the appetite! Some of his favorite snacks shown in the books and TV series include dog biscuits the size of trash can lids as well as giant bones. He also enjoys meals of whole turkeys and roasts prepared just for him.
What are Clifford the Big Red Dog’s personality traits?
Despite being gigantic compared to normal pups, Clifford exhibits all the same traits any energetic, playful dog would have. He maintains a happy, curious, friendly, and gentle personality through all his size-related adventures. He illustrates how our devoted canine friends remain young at heart.
What educational lessons do the Clifford books teach young readers?
The Clifford series uses its fantastical giant puppy premise to teach valuable lessons about caring for pets responsibly and showing unconditional love. The books also demonstrate good behavior through Clifford helping others and always being respectful, even when his giant size complicates things!
What special celebrations happen in the Clifford series?
Since Clifford’s growth into a giant puppy happens around Christmas, the holiday serves as the backdrop to celebrate his origin story. The books also feature other holidays like Halloween trick-or-treating, Thanksgiving feasts, and parties for events like Emily Elizabeth’s birthday or Birdwell Island’s dog show.
How has Clifford the Big Red Dog expanded into other media besides books?
Originally created by author Norman Bridwell in 1963, the beloved big red dog has gone on star in an Emmy-winning PBS animated series, a live-action movie, a musical stage show, and endless licensed toys and products. Over 50 years later, giant Clifford remains a fan favorite!
