Pierre why he selected such an unusual color for his dog, the author/illustrator replied, 'There was a jar of red paint on the end of my drawing table. When asked by Highlights for Children interviewer Lorraine St. Using a failed illustration of a young girl with her dog, Bridwell took that same dog, made him larger-than-life, and painted him red. After experiencing initial disappointment with his early attempts to break into children's publishing, Bridwell took the advice of an editor and tried his hand at illustrating a story of his own creation. Appearing in picture, board, pop-up, and lift-the-flap books, Clifford continues to attract young readers looking for more adventures of the silent, good-natured canine. With over sixty 'Clifford' books, readers of all ages have a wide variety of titles from which to choose. I'm extremely grateful to my readers and to the teachers who find Clifford useful for getting young readers started.' 'Despite the fact that my books are rarely noticed or mentioned by critics or specialists in children's literature, children and teachers know them and seem to like them. 'Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that I would have such success,' Bridwell once remarked. I do accept editorial suggestions because my editors are pretty nice people and have been extremely helpful.' I try to spend five hours a day at my desk. He once commented: 'I enjoy making up stories that I hope are funny enough to amuse children.

The series includes such titles as Clifford Goes to Hollywood, Clifford's Halloween, Clifford's Manners, Clifford and the Grouchy Neighbors, the award-winning Clifford, the Big Red Dog, Clifford Makes a Friend, and many others.īridwell has also written and illustrated several books about an affectionate witch as well as some delightful tales about monsters.

In each story Clifford and Emily Elizabeth are presented with various minor predicaments brought on by Clifford's well-meaning but clumsy ways. Norman Bridwell is the author and illustrator of numerous well-loved children's books that focus on Clifford, a large, red dog and his adoring owner Emily Elizabeth, a character named after Bridwell's daughter. 'Norman (Ray) Bridwell.' Major Authors and Illustrators for Children and Young Adults, 2nd ed., 8 vols.

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Norman bridwell books