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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.
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. 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. That book spawned over 40 best-selling Clifford books, three animated television series, merchandise, a live musical and a live-action film. 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.