"At Scholastic, we are deeply saddened by the loss of our loyal and talented friend whose drawings and stories have inspired all of us and generations of children and their parents," Robinson said. "What comforts the reader is that Clifford is always forgiven by Emily Elizabeth, who loves him unconditionally." "The magic of the character and stories Norman created with Clifford is that children can see themselves in this big dog who tries very hard to be good, but is somewhat clumsy and always bumping into things and making mistakes," Robinson said in a statement. And Clifford's fictional home, Birdwell Island, not only has a name similar to that of the Bridwell family, but resembles their own Martha's Vineyard home. Emily Elizabeth was named for the couple's daughter. Clifford was originally to be named Tiny, Scholastic said, but Bridwell's wife, Norma, suggested the dog be named after her childhood imaginary friend. Bridwell's manuscript was turned down by nine publishers before Scholastic accepted it, the company said.Ĭlifford is a 25-foot-tall dog owned by 8-year-old Emily Elizabeth. The first Clifford book was published in 1963, but not without a struggle. Author and illustrator Norman Bridwell, who created the popular character Clifford the Big Red Dog, died on Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts, on Friday, Scholastic Books said Tuesday.
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