In the newest issue of “School Library Journal” Grace Maccarone interviews Clifford creator Norman Bridwell. Maccarone edited the Clifford series from 1984 to 2009.
Clifford is big in lots of ways. He is 66 feet long and 44 feet high. More than 126 million Clifford books are in print in 13 languages. An animated Clifford TV series is in its 12th season on PBS Kids, and he will celebrate his 50th anniversary this month.
Bridwell, who will be 85 on February 15, describes Clifford as a loving dog who is very loyal to Emily. Due to his size Clifford tends to be very clumsy, but he is always forgiven. That is an important message in these books. Forgiveness for the mistakes one makes.
Bridwell grew up in Indiana and went to art school there, but he had to go to NYC to actually get a job. Clifford began as an art sample to show editors. Bridwell was hoping to get a job as an illustrator, but was rejected everywhere he went. One editor suggested that he created a story around one of his art samples–a little girl standing in the rain under the chin of a very large dog. Eventually, another editor suggested he submit his story to Scholastic; they were starting to publish original paperbacks for their book clubs.
Bridwell says that his favorite Clifford book is “Clifford and the Grouchy Neighbor.” He thinks that a lot of children have neighbors that complain.
Clifford continues to be a “best seller” here in Palisades. Bridwell’s favorite, we have two copies, has gone out a total of 73 times.