Oh Clifford, we just can’t quit you. Clifford the Big Red Dog is a kid’s best friend for a period of time. To an extent, its intellectual property awareness is much higher than its consumption. Clifford books are a staple in the pre-k and early elementary section of libraries. Seasonal Clifford books are even more popular when said timely occasion happens. Thus, LOVE from Clifford the Big Red Dog (A Mini Valentine’s Day Book) is out and ready to get in the hands of three-year-olds everywhere.
Adults are thinking, “I’ve seen other Clifford Valentine’s Day books, books about love and the big, red dog before”, and you have. LOVE from Clifford the Big Red Dog (A Mini Valentine’s Day Book) is small and can easily fit into those small hands. It’s also hardback, whereas the other Valentine’s Day books are a Scholastic Reader or shaped like a heart. The reader consists of simple sentences set against Clifford’s big dog antics, as he tries to navigate how to show his affection and appreciation for his friends.
This book is all about love. It’s the way that love makes you smile. “Love is the way we read together” the page says while the illustration shows Emily Elizabeth sitting on his massive paw while reading a book. LOVE from Clifford the Big Red Dog shows that love can be big, like when he licks Emily. Love can also be tiny, like when she kisses his nose.
There are reasons to be brave, smile, help out a friend and to tell them, “I Love you!”. This is simple, emerging reader comfort food. Ages three through five love Clifford. They grin at the idea of a dog the size of a house. Their mind’s eye wanders at the concept of napping on a dog’s paw that’s as big as two of you. And a red dog? That’s just silly. It’s feel-good, timeless fun that’s been around since 1963. Normal Birdwell wrote 91 books in the Clifford series. The children’s book publishing juggernaut, Scholastic , has Clifford the Big Red Dog as their mascot. Don’t confuse the absence of a Clifford movie franchise, as a lack of impact on popular culture.
I just asked a group of 25 high school students if they knew this character. I showed them an illustration of Clifford. Every kid in the class knew the name of the character or the “big red dog” description. Clifford’s brand awareness is through the roof.
This same group of high school students knew Mr. Rogers, despite living their entire lives not knowing or seeing his work on television. There are some entities that are emblazoned into the cultural landscape, and Clifford is certainly one of them. Is it because the Clifford books have such a gentle appeal to pre-k and kindergarten ages that makes it so sticky? The books conjure up the imagination of young ages. LOVE from Clifford the Big Red Dog is no exception. It’s portable, small square package will also help provide a sense of ownership for those emerging readers.
LOVE from Clifford the Big Red Dog is by Norman Bridwell and available on Scholastic.
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