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Clifford's Puppy Days Book Series: PBS to Literature

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Clifford the Big Red Dog was created by Norman Bridwell. In 1963, Bridwell wrote and illustrated the book which started it all. Much of the original Bridwell series is still available as reprints. A few of Bridwell's books focus on Clifford before he became a Big Red Dog. These books show Clifford as a Small Red Puppy. PBS, realizing the potential of Clifford as a multi-media teaching tool, aired a series of Clifford animations in 2000, and again in 2003. The later series known as "Clifford's Puppy Days". Although the stories were new (and so were many of the characters), the concepts behind the series can be directly linked to Bridwell's original "Puppy" titles.

A number of books have been printed in recent years, based on the PBS "Puppy Days" series. These books are not written by Norman Bridwell, but are written are several well established writers of children's books. The books in this series can be recognized by the "Puppy Days" logo, printed on the cover. Bridwell collectors generally do not pay these books much attention, as they are not written by Norman Bridwell. Parents and children, however, tend to love these books.

So just exactly what are the Puppy Days books all about? These stories are based on the PBS series, and present many of the same stories in written format. Colorfully illustrated, the books expand on Clifford's life as a puppy, and include many of his young animal friends (as well as his owner, Emily Elizabeth). The books are written for early readers, generally for children age 4-8. Many of these books have been assigned AR (accelerated reading) levels.

The Puppy Days books are up to date and clearly represent a relevant literary style different from that of Bridwell. However, the values which he instilled in the original Clifford series can be found in these books as well. Positive virtues such as trust, friendship, honesty, sharing, and self-worth are integral to each story line. Bridwell believed that children's books should not only be literary tools, but should also teach children about how to live. I believe that the Puppy Days series remain true to this concept.

I recommend Clifford books because I know they can provide a child with not only an excellent opportunity to read, but also because they do teach so much more. The Clifford Puppy Days books are no exception. They deliver as promised.