ALONG COMES MARY

Since learning last night about the passing of 86-year-old Norman Bridwell, best known as the illustrator & author of the beloved “Clifford the Big Red Dog” books, I have felt compelled to write something. Sometimes, you are not really struck with how much a character influences you til its brought to your attention once again.

For as long as I can recall, I have always loved dogs. Always. I am sure having my Mom’s dog, Timmy, around for the first six years of my life helped with form the affection. I also grew up in a book loving household, & some of my earliest books were about the top dogs Spot & Clifford. I think, probably like every little kid in the world, I identified with Clifford’s owner, Emily Elizabeth. Despite Clifford was unusual; a dog the size of a pony & bright red, Emily loved her dog more than anything. I think, in a very strange way; Emily Elizabeth is my role model.

After Timmy passed away, I not only missed him terribly, but pined for another dog, ever since. My fateful day that Hammy came into my life nearly 2 years ago, he was my first pup since Timmy. He might have been scared, whining & in need of some training & many Vet visits, but, Hammy immediately worked his way into my heart, just like Clifford did Emily’s.

I always remember my favorite from the Clifford series; I had borrowed Clifford & the Grouchy Neighbors from the library & nearly wore it out over my 2 week loan. My family searched far & wide for it to buy, but, to no avail. Then, on an Easter morning, our neighbor left me an Easter basket & guess what was inside? Yep, Clifford & the Grouchy Neighbors! We were all stumped & thrilled at my luck, as I had never mentioned looking for that book to our friend.

Bridwell leaves behind such an incredible legacy; he was an out of work artist when he sold the idea for a book about a dog large enough for his owner to ride. From The New York Times:

“His choice of color, Mr. Bridwell explained, was serendipitous: A jar of red paint happened to be situated on his desk on the day he first drew a picture of a little girl and a big dog. He wanted to name the dog Tiny, though his wife, Norma, discouraged the obvious joke and named him Clifford, after an imaginary friend from her childhood. The little girl who owned him, Emily Elizabeth, was named for their infant daughter.

Published in 1963, “Clifford the Big Red Dog” led to a parade of Clifford books, tales of the dog galumphing through simple experiences that very young children would recognize as familiar: “Clifford’s Family,” “Clifford’s Good Deeds,” “Clifford’s Bathtime” and the like. And almost from the beginning they featured characters, especially children, of varied ethnicities and races.”

I am so happy that like Dr. Seuss & Walt Disney, I can also count Norman Bridwell & Clifford among my childhood family & memories that I look forward to passing onto my children one day! xo