Big Red Readers from Scholastic Publishing

What is the difference between a Clifford Big Red Reader and other Clifford Books? What age range and reading level are they written for, and how can they help children learn to read? Are there other Clifford books which are similar to Big Red Readers? For these answers and more, read this informative guide to Big Red Readers.

Big Red Readers are a series of softcover books published by Scholastic, Inc. While Big Red Readers are not authored by Norman Bridwell (the creator of Clifford), they are based upon the series which he did author. The PBS Clifford TV series provide the stories, which are then modified to meet the reading needs of  young readers.

What is the difference between a Clifford Big Red Reader and other Clifford Books?

Big Red Readers differ from some other Clifford books in that they are rectangular in dimension, rather than square. They measure 6 inches x 9 inches. This size is easy to handle, easy to store, and easy for new readers to capture both words and illustrations.

What age range and reading level are they written for?

Big Red Readers are specifically written for educational purposes. They are tailor-made to be used as teaching tools. To this end, each story is written to meet the needs of children at a particular reading level. You can determine the reading level and recommended age range for each book by looking on the back cover. For example, The Stormy Day Rescue is written at reading level 2.1, and is recommended for 6-8 year olds. Big Red Readers are written to meet the needs of brand new readers as well as children who have some basic reading ability. Generally speaking, they are written for children ages 5-8.

How can Big Red Readers help children learn to read?

The words are written large enough to be easily read. Illustrations are designed to reinforce the words, thus encouraging children to explore and try to figure out what the words mean. A review is provided at the end of each book to help the reader focus in on what has just been read. Such reviews increase comprehension and encourage young readers to re-read passages that they might not have understood the first time through.

Are there other Clifford books which are similar to Big Red Readers?

In addition to Big Red Readers, Scholastic has also published Clifford & Company hardcover readers (and companion activity books), and softcover Hello Readers. Each of these are written as educational tools, and can be very useful in helping a child learn to read. The traditional Clifford storybooks (generally square in shape) are also useful, although they do not contain the review at the end of the story.

Big Red Readers are excellent teaching resources for schools, homeschooling, parent-assisted teaching, day care centers, etc. They are inexpensive, and each Clifford story provides a lesson on values as well as reading. Clifford's Ten Reinforced Values are built into each Clifford story: 1. Be a Good Friend. 2. Play Fair. 3. Share. 4. Help Others. 5. Be Responsible. 6. Be Kind. 7. Have Respect. 8. Work Together. 9. Be Truthful. 10. Believe in Yourself.

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