PBS's Clifford the Big Red Dog visits local libraries
Share
Tweet
Steve Edwards
Montana Public Broadcasting sponsored several visits to libraries around the state by Clifford the Big Red Dog, the star of a kids show on public television. Clifford is pictured here being welcomed by local fans at the library in Chinook. Earlier this week Clifford also visited the Harlem library.
Clifford the Big Red Dog was in Blaine County, first in Chinook at the library last week, then in Harlem earlier this week. Anyone who's watched children's programming on Public Television during the last half century, has likely seen "Clifford the Big Red Dog." But to see Clifford up close and real, that was a special treat for kids and parents alike.
Perhaps some viewers will be surprised to learn that Clifford will turn 55 this fall, he already qualified for AARP membership a few years ago. The Clifford books, and there were over 150 titles, were written and illustrated by Norman Birdwell who died in 2014 at the age of 86. Birdwell's books eventually became the basis for the PBS series about Clifford, the runt of the litter who grew to enormous size because of the love showered on him by his owner, Emily.
The first book about Clifford came out in 1963. Scholastic Books agreed to publish the book after it was turned down by nine other publishing houses. Scholastic Books published all the subsequent books and at last count there were 129 million Clifford books in print in more than 13 languages. Birdwell, Clifford's creator, lived to see the big red dog's fiftieth anniversary as a children's favorite. Scholastic Books made a very big deal of Clifford's fiftieth anniversary in 2012.
A division of Scholastic Books eventually created and produced 65 episodes for television. Those ran, originally, in two seasons that began in September, 2000 and ended February, 2003. Interesting factoid, John Ritter (of the "Three's Company" TV series) was the voice of Clifford. Over the years, with the advent of the internet, there are now numerous websites with games and other supplements to go with both the Clifford books and TV episodes.
Montana Public Broadcasting
Montana Public Broadcasting, through some state library group, sent notices asking if libraries would be interested in have Clifford the Big Red Dog come for a visit. Kelsey Harry, Assistant Librarian with the Blaine County Library in Chinook, said, "When we got the notice we jumped at the opportunity for a visit. It was on a first come-first served basis and we immediately responded." Colleen Brommer, Library Director in Harlem, said she also responded quickly as she thought a visit by Clifford would be a treat for local kids. Only about 17 libraries, statewide, could be scheduled so Blaine County was fortunate to have two visits.
Chris Seifert, Director of Educational Services for Montana Public Broadcasting, accompanies Clifford on his forays around the state. Seifert said, "I was here in Chinook 14 years ago with Clifford." A quick check with Ethel Siemens, former librarian in Harlem, confirmed Clifford had visited there as well at about the same time. Val Frank, now Library Director at the Blaine County Library, said she checked some notes and found there were 90 kids for the visit more than a decade ago. She added, "That was a time when we had less programming in the summer so when we had an event all the kids came to it."
According to Chris Seifert, the Clifford episodes made for TV are all designed to teach children 'how to get along.' She said, "Young kids need lots of repetition, so each episode deals with one of Clifford's Big Ideas-sharing, playing fair, having respect, working together, being responsible, being truthful, being kind, believing in yourself, being a good friend and helping others-over and over."
Steve Edwards
Clifford the Big Red Dog visited Harlem Library and these kids were using magnetized shapes to make structures and artwork. Librarian Colleen Brommer said 50+ kids, parents and community guests enjoyed the visit with the big red dog, a star with Montana Public Broadcasting.
Like any organism, even big red dogs have to change with the times. In addition to his focus on teaching kids to get along, Clifford is now emphasizing the STEM curriculum-getting kids interested in science, technology, engineering and math. Seifert walked among six hands-on activities set up around the room. She explained the activities taught kids about balance, design and the kinds of construction that make the strongest structures. Asked about the activity to make a set of wearable Clifford-ears, she said, "Oh, that's for fun."
As soon as Clifford walked into the room at Chinook the kids brightened, especially the little guys. After some hugs and time for photos with Clifford, the kids gravitated to the activities. It didn't take long for them to figure out ways to improve on what they saw built or modify a design to their own liking. Apparently that was Seifert's goal with the STEM-related activities.
Clifford had not made it to Harlem at press time, but Director Brommer said she was expecting a good turnout. She added that one of the reasons she wanted Clifford to visit was "it would be a novelty that would interest the children."
Both libraries are offering a variety of summer programming for kids. You can find information about summer programs at websites for each library (blainecountylibrary.org for Chinook and harlempubliclibrary.org for Harlem) or call 357-2932 (Chinook) or 353-2712 (Harlem).
