Norman Bridwell

Norman Bridwell
Bridwell in 2011, holding a copy of the first Clifford the Big Red Dog book.
Born	Norman Ray Bridwell (1928-02-15)February 15, 1928 Kokomo, Indiana
Died	December 12, 2014(2014-12-12) (aged 86) Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
Occupation	Writer and illustrator
Nationality	American
Genre	Children's literature
Notable works	Clifford the Big Red Dog
Spouse	Norma Howard Bridwell(1958–2014; his death)
Children	2

Norman Ray Bridwell (February 15, 1928 – December 12, 2014) was an American author and cartoonist best known for the Clifford the Big Red Dog series of children's books.

Bridwell was born on February 15, 1928 in Kokomo, Indiana, to Leona and Vern Bridwell. He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1945, and went on to attend John Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, and Cooper Union, in New York City.

Bridwell put together a portfolio and attempted to get a job as a children's book illustrator but was rejected by around fifteen publishing houses. While at Harper & Row, an editor offhandedly suggested he turn one of his drawings into a story. The drawing was of a baby girl and a horse-sized bloodhound, and the story became Clifford The Big Red Dog. That book spawned over 40 best-selling Clifford books, two television series, merchandise, and a live musical.

Bridwell's other successful books include The Witch Next Door, and A Tiny Family. There are over 126 million copies of his books in print in 13 languages.

By 1962, Bridwell was married to his wife Norma Howard, and they had a daughter Emily Elizabeth, as well as a son named Timothy. At the time of his death, they had three grandchildren.

The Bridwells resided on Martha's Vineyard, from 1969 until his death.

Bridwell died of heart failure at 86 on December 12, 2014. His funeral was held at the Federated Church on South Summer street in Edgartown. His ashes were given to his son, Timothy.