Which children's book series features a dog named Clifford?

The children’s book series featuring a dog named Clifford is Clifford the Big Red Dog.

The series was created by American author and illustrator Norman Bridwell. Its central character is Clifford, a gigantic red dog whose owner and best friend is Emily Elizabeth. Although Clifford is enormous, he begins life as the runt of his litter; in the stories, Emily Elizabeth’s love and care are connected with his extraordinary growth.

The first Clifford book was published in 1963. Bridwell originally imagined a dog about the size of a horse, and the character was initially called “Tiny.” His wife suggested the name Clifford, which came from her childhood imaginary friend. Emily Elizabeth was named after Bridwell’s daughter.

The series is sometimes confused with other children’s franchises involving animal characters, such as Curious George or Paddington Bear. Clifford is distinctive because the dog himself is both the title character and the enormous red companion at the heart of the stories. The books later inspired television series, educational programs, video games, a stage production, and a 2021 live-action/CGI film.