Our family’s affection for Clifford the Big Red Dog began years ago. I read many of the books in the original series as a child and subsequently introduced Clifford to my own kids. Reading has been an integral part of our time as a family, and Scholastic classics like Clifford the Big Red Dog hold a special place in our hearts. Inspired by the renowned book series, Clifford the Big Red Dog is now in theaters and available to stream exclusively on Paramount+.
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Clifford the Big Red Dog
The classic book series about a lovable big red dog was the inspiration for Paramount Pictures’ Clifford the Big Red Dog. The first book in the series was published in 1963 and written by Norma Bridwell. The series details the adventures of Emily Elizabeth and her dog Clifford. Clifford was originally the runt of the litter, *deemed to be small and sick. But because of Emily’s love, Clifford grew to an enormous size. The unique message about “loving big” and Clifford’s size and color have captured the hearts of families across the globe. In addition to the expansive book series, there are a handful of TV series inspired by Clifford, but Paramount’s cinematic release is the first time audiences will see the big red dog in a feature-length film.
Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) is a middle-school-aged girl living in New York City, who’s world is complicated by the bullying she endures at the private school she attends. When her single mother goes out of town on a business trip, her uncle (Jack Whitehall as CaseY), who happens to live in a van, bears the responsibility of looking after her.
During a visit to the local carnival, Emily meets magical animal rescuer Mr. Bridwell, a nod to the book series’ author. He introduces her to the adorable and infamous little red puppy. He explains to her that the puppy will grow in size relative to how much love he receives. Unfortunately, Emily and her mother live in a small New York City apartment where there are no dogs allowed and she leaves the little red puppy.
As luck would have it, the little red dog stowed away in Emily’s backpack. She names him Clifford and begs her uncle to keep him. But he knows the challenges of keeping Clifford are insurmountable, so they make an agreement to keep him for just one night. And it is on that one tearful night, where Emily wishes for Clifford to be big and strong, that he grows to to a giant ten-foot pup! Thus begins the misadventures of Clifford and Emily.
The film is absolutely endearing, and a wonderful tribute to the original Clifford the Big Red Dog book series. My daughter and I have watched it at least 3 times since we first screened it. The film is funny and poignant, and Clifford is absolutely irresistible. And while the overall tone of the film is light, it does have some important messages about friendship and the relationship between a girl and her dog. Set in New York City, this origin story is the perfect “love big” film for the holiday season.
Darby Camp & Jack Whitehall Talk Clifford the Big Red Dog
Clifford the Big Red Dog Printables
Clifford the Big Red Dog is now playing in theaters nationwide and on Paramount+. To celebrate the release of the film, we have an adorable Clifford the Big Red Dog Activity book filled with printables, coloring pages, and activity sheets.
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