Preschool students at the Westerville City Schools Early Learning Center were thrilled when, on September 6, Clifford the Big Red Dog stopped by for a visit. The Westerville Special Needs PTA supports the preschool program and encourages children to read by bringing some of their favorite literary characters to life. Each youngster received a book to promote literacy in celebration of the special day. Visits from other popular book characters have been scheduled for coming months.
Clifford the Big Red Dog is an American children’s book series about a giant red dog named Clifford. It was first published in 1963 and was written by Norman Bridwell. The series helped establish Scholastic as a premier publishing company, and Clifford himself is Scholastic’s official mascot. Clifford is shy, gentle, friendly, loyal, lovable, clumsy, well-meaning and helpful. His owner is Emily Elizabeth, to whom he is devoted.