Norman Bridwell creator of 'Clifford the Big Red Dog,' dead at 86 Norman

Norman Bridwell creator of 'Clifford the Big Red Dog,' dead at 86 Norman Bridwell publisher, Scholastic said the creator of "Clifford the Big Red Dog," Norman Bridwell has died at the age of 86. According to Scholastic, Bridwell's "Clifford" books -- and there are dozens of them -- have sold millions of copies in 13 languages. Clifford also crossed over to television, starring on the PBS Kids series of the same name. Clifford, an oversized, clumsy but good-natured dog whose curiosity sometimes gets him into mischief, was born in 1963. Bridwell originally wanted to name him "Tiny," but his wife convinced him otherwise. Clifford's friend, Emily Elizabeth, takes her name from one of Bridwell's children. The original Clifford story was about a runty pup who grows into a gigantic dog thanks to Emily Elizabeth's care. Bridwell's manuscript was turned down by nine publishers before Scholastic put it out. Other Bridwell books include "A Tiny Family" and "The Witch Next Door." Bridwell is survived by his wife, Norma, his daughter Emily Elizabeth, his son Timothy and three grandchildren. Report from CNN