fiction.wikisort.org - Writer

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

Norman Bridwell
Bridwell in 2011
Born	Norman Ray Bridwell[1] (1928-02-15)February 15, 1928 Kokomo, Indiana, U.S.
Died	December 12, 2014(2014-12-12) (aged 86) Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation	Writer and illustrator
Genre	Children's literature
Notable works	Clifford the Big Red Dog
Spouse	Norma Howard ​ (m. 1958⁠–⁠2014)​ [2]
Children	2

Early life

Bridwell was born on February 15, 1928,[3] in Kokomo, Indiana, to Leona and Vern Bridwell.[4] He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1945,[4] and went on to attend John Herron School of Art[5] at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, and Cooper Union,[5] in New York City. Clifford serves as the official mascot of Scholastic Corporation.

Career

Bridwell put together a portfolio and attempted to get a job as a children's book illustrator but was rejected by approximately fifteen publishing houses.[5] While at Harper & Row, an editor offhandedly suggested he turn one of his drawings into a story. The drawing was of a young girl and a horse-sized bloodhound, and the story became Clifford the Big Red Dog.[5] That book spawned over 40 best-selling Clifford books,[5] three animated television series,[6] merchandise,[7] a live musical[8] and a live-action film.[9][10] Clifford serves as the official mascot of Scholastic Corporation.

Bridwell's other successful books include The Witch Next Door, How to Care for Your Monster, and A Tiny Family. There are over 126 million copies of his books in print in 13 languages.[3]

Personal life

In 1958, Bridwell was married to his wife Norma Ellen Howard.[2] They had a daughter Emily Elizabeth Merz and a son named Tim. At the time of his death, they had three grandchildren.[11][12]

The Bridwells resided in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard, from 1969 until his death.[11][13]

Death

Bridwell died on December 12, 2014, at the age of 86.[1] His funeral was held at the Federated Church on South Summer street in Edgartown.[14] He was cremated, and his ashes were given to his son, Tim.[15]

References

External links

• Norman Bridwell at IMDb
• Norman Bridwell at Find a Grave
• Norman Bridwell at Library of Congress Authorities, with 151 catalog records

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