Clifford's Manners

Clifford the Big Red Dog

by Norman Bridwell

Clifford, the big red dog, displays his good manners by saying "please" and "thank you," waiting his turn, sharing, and being a good sport in games

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Dogs, Pre K, Own

32 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1986

About the author

Norman Bridwell was an American author and cartoonist, best-known for the Clifford the Big Red Dog series of children's books. Bridwell attended John Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, Indiana. He lived on Martha's Vineyard, MA, where he wrote an average of two books a year.

Reviews

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clifford, the big red dog, displays his good manners by saying please and thank you, waiting his turn, sharing, and being a good sport in games.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clifford models etiquette for the young with the help of some odd little precursors to emojis sprinkled throughout the book.

You never think about Clifford having a supporting cast beyond Emily Elizabeth, but I was surprised to find in this book the third appearance of his dog buddies from Clifford's Pals and the fourth appearance of his big sister, Bonnie the farm dog. Bonnie has changed colors from white to brown between books, to show how little care Bridwell put into these books. Super meh.

[Margaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Clifford book series is a childhood classic, and Clifford’s Manners is a sweet, simple introduction to polite behavior for young readers. Clifford’s lovable personality and gentle lessons make it easy to teach kids about kindness and respect. A timeless addition to any kids bookshelf!

[Blake]

“Clifford’s Manners,” by Norman Bridwell, is a great children’s book that teaches good manners to children, which they should learn at a young age. I read this book to my cousin, Aliyah, and she loved it. It was not her first time reading the book, but it has been a great example for her.

The book is about Clifford, a big red dog, who is learning his manners. He learns to say please and thank you, and to pick up after himself. He also learns how to obey his owner, Emily Elizabeth, and to be kind to everyone. He learns to be a good sport while playing sports and does not boast when he wins. Clifford picks up on everything very well and becomes a great dog.

The main character in the book is Clifford. He is a red dog who is way bigger than any other dog. He is bigger than a house, but would never hurt a fly. His master is Emily Elizabeth who is a young grade school girl, and she taught him everything he knows.

The setting of the book takes place all throughout the town in which Clifford lives. He travels from his house. to a neighbor’s house, and then onto Emily Elizabeth’s grandmother’s house, learning different manners. This book could take place at anytime, but with a normal sized dog.

The theme and/or moral that the author is trying to instill into the minds of children is to make sure they have good manners. Having good manners is key to getting what you want as a kid and also being nice in general. Showing kindness as well as being polite will also demonstrate being more mature. I believe the author did a great job of showing examples on how to have good manners in different situations.

I rate this book a five out of five because it teaches children valuable lessons and how to have fun with it. Aliyah loved the book and all of the other Clifford books. I would recommend this children’s book to any parent wanting to teach their child good manners.

[Cliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because my name is clifford

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter wanted to read this book when she saw it on the back of a different Clifford book. I grabbed it at the library, and this was the book that she picked to read that night. I think she thought that Clifford looked very dapper in his suit. =)

The format of this book is very different than usual Clifford books. There is no plot. Instead, each page has a different good manner described and illustrated. This was perfect for my 2.5 year old. While she's very polite to say please and thank you, there are a few other things that I was so happy were included in this book. She seemed very open to following that manner because Clifford does it.

It's a great book for Clifford fans and those who might need a gentle reminder on some of their manners.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

12/20/2025 - Read again with Madison.

11/8/2025 - Read again with Madison.

3/19/2025 - Cute way to explain the importance of manners.

[Lisa Overberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wonderful Clifford tale encourages children to use manners when interacting with others. It teaches children to use please and thank you as well as excuse me. Clifford models good behavior of cleaning up after yourself and following the rules. He also shows children to knock before entering a room and wiping your dirty feet before going into someone's home. It also includes the importance of washing your hands (ahheem... I mean paws) before eating a meal and not talking with your mouth full. These wonderful manners would be great to include in a lesson at the beginning of the year on how to be a good student in school and friend.

Interest Level: Grades K - 2
Reading Level: Grade level Equivalent: 1.9
Lexile Measure®: 300L
DRA: Not Available
Guided Reading: K

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be wonderful to teach students manners. Most of the topics in the story would probably be covered at home but, if not this book is great. It talks about please and take you, not talking with your mouth full, and being a good sport.

[Maleigha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clifford, a popular favorite of young readers, models good behavior during his day to day activities. Children can learn important social skills such as saying "excuse me," and being kind to others. Great to read on the first day of school to set the tone for a great learning environment.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to read to young children. The story encourages children to use manners when they are interacting with other. This book will be great to read when talking about having manners. I also like the illustration you can really see Clifford using good manner Throughout the book.

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute book and it is teaching Clifford how to have good manners but it relates to children too. Its such an easy read for people learning how to read. Definitely recommend to younger readers.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clifford was a really good dog. He had good manners. He said please and thank you.

[Cece · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book. I would definitely read this book to children to help get across the message of good manners.

[BJ Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to read to little children *like grandchildren!*

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, it is apparent to everyone that Clifford, the Big Red Dog needs to learn to behave. Sadly, his size presents a challenge because he is too playful. This book gave me some laughs.

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and educational on manners. Clifford shows examples of each good manner explained in the book, such as saying please and thank you and not talking during movies.

[Danielle Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simple book featuring the beloved big red dog, Clifford. It beautifully illustrates many examples of good manners, from simply saying "please and thank you" to "don't talk with your mouth full" and "wipe your feet". Kids will remember these rules for good social behavior after reading this book. Clifford shows that we use manners for many situations such as at the movies, visiting family and playing with friends. This book is fun and not preachy. The illustrations are adorable such as when he walks through the crowd at the movies and says "excuse me". I would recommend this book for use in a preschool classroom, but it might be a little young for elementary school children.

[Anne Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another children's book I bought from my local library's used book store to both benefit the library and to pass along to my grandchildren so they can enjoy reading.

Clifford, a big red dog, teaches common courtesies in this book, from saying 'please' and 'thank you' to being neat and helping out. I myself have learned throughout life that 'please' and 'thank you' go a long way to establish good rapport with others, so seeing a book that teaches such etiquettes to those still young and impressionable I find a good introduction to the things that make one accepted among others. Plus, the brightly-colored illustrations are sure to captivate the young.

[Summer D Clemenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clifford was very popular when I was growing up so it was fun to visit him again in Cliffords' Manners by Norman Bridwell. In this book we learn important ways to use our manners to be thoughtful of others. This is a very cute read.

[Tara DuBose-Schmitt]

Clifford must carry signs around to accomplish these people manners. I’d settle for dog manners: don’t chew your butt under the table during dinner, don’t vomit on the rug, quit rolling in deer scat.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is no story to speak of, just examples of Clifford being polite and displaying good manners in a variety of situations. Likely to be a hit with fans of Clifford and for reemphasizing the lessons, but not otherwise all that entertaining.

[Jc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to use this book in my class to teach youngsters about good and bad manners.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book for teaching manners and good behavior.

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book in the Clifford the Big Red Dog series. Cute.

[Kelly Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book every child should read this

[Cherish Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4☆ Would recommend)
All of the Clifford books are so great. Such a great children's classic.

[Alana · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a little too 1950s perfect child for me.

[Lily]

Goood