Clifford's First School Day

by Norman Bridwell

Clifford is going to school! Emily Elizabeth remembers taking her small red puppy Clifford to school and all the comical calamities that occured there. Clifford tries to fingerpaint and, sliding through the paint, makes a very creative masterpiece. Then, during water play, he is captain of the ship, until he tips over the mast and falls into the water! A bag of flour used to make cookies for snack time intrigues Clifford, until it falls on him, and covers him with white powder! Oh Clifford! But Clifford's not done yet. Outside, Emily Elizabeth puts him on a slide and, CRASH! He lands in someone's sand castle! But Clifford helps repair it and all is well. Emily Elizabeth's teacher asks her to bring Clifford back when he's a little bigger. As Emily Elizabeth says, "She should see him now."

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, School, Animals, Fiction, Dogs, Back To School

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1999

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

[John Yelverton]

Cute little book, but not much meaning to it.

[Shirley Revill]

My children loved this book and my grandchildren loved it too. With another addition last year to our growing family there will be another child to fall in love with Clifford.
Ideal for the young child who is starting nursery or school this book helps to take away the fears they might have. Very easy to read with illustrations that provide a great talking point with your child.
A fun book that children and parents love.

[Rod Brown]

As always, puppy Clifford gets up to some gentle mischief and slapstick humor, this time in an elementary school. His lunchroom jello struggles make the book worthwhile.

[Andrew]

Clifford made a mess.

- Stella B

[Lucas]

This goes out to Mrs. Jones. Clifford is the best book series. You can’t doubt it. You see Clifford go through so much in such a small page count that will be the same length of my essays. Now, let’s be genuine for once. This book isn’t that good. It really doesn’t give you so much insight on Clifford at all. You would think that would be to give the purpose of introducing a child to school through a book, but they don’t do that well since it isn’t realistic. I still give it some credit however since they still managed to create a semi-interesting story I can read over and over again 5000 times in an hour. Bravo Vince.

Also, just for some extra ideas, here are some other…accolades, perhaps.

IGN 8.5/10 - “Clifford really does show off a cutting edge storyline inspired by the struggles of our own dignity.”

Rotten Tomatoes 69% - “Some critics said they adore Clifford and think he is adorable while others would rather choke on there vomit. The team considers it ‘mixed’ however, the connotations of the rotten reviews were so terrible a few consider it a terrible release.”

Dave Portnoy 7.4/10 - “I’d say 7.4 is fair. You know Clifford is like an offensive lineman. Looks heavy, but light on its feet. SPONSORED BY TOTINOS SPONSORED BY FRANKS RED HOT

Joseph R. Biden 10/10 - “Clifford reminds me of the dogs my family had in 1834 and this is also a a-a great bedtime story.

Donald Trump 4/10 - “Biden said it was a 10!? Yeah no. He also voted for Obamna. Everything he says is just fake news. How do you believe him? Tucker Carlson gives the real news since he hasn’t been exposed about anything. Joe’s rating is rigged just like the election. Prove me wrong. This book sucks, it just does.

I also decided to interview my friends for this. A few wanted to remain anonymous.

John Doe - 0/10 “This book can’t be scored since it it’s a kids book. I recommend H.G. Wells. 🤓🤓🤓”

Dhruva - 10/10 “___”

Jesus Christ- 10/10 “This book was so good I converted to Islam. I highly recommend it.”

Alex Lucas 10/10- “Half-Life is the best video game ever yeah.”

Now what other proof do you need? This book definitely has fans. Anyways, to summarize, not realistic but still interesting. No excuse me I have to find Clifford. If you ever find him, post a tweet with #IheardClifford so I can get clues. Thanks!

[Ridge R]

This book is great would recommend to people who like Horror and Mystery.

[Cerita]

This book is ok. Children who love Clifford stories would enjoy it and probably think it's commical. It is an adorable story about the puppy messing things with things up such as paint and flour, but not getting in trouble for it. There's no lesson to learned in this story.


Extension Activity: I would give the children paint of a color of their choosing and some construction paper. They can make handprints of paint onto the paper like Clifford did in the book.

[Rosa Cline]

This is a 'flash back' for Emily Elizabeth and the grown Clifford remembering when Clifford was a tiny puppy. He went with Emily Elizabeth for show and tell to her classroom. This story tells of all the things a K-G or a Preschooler would do in school. Nice story to read to a younger child before they start school.

[Maudie]

Genre:Modern Fantasy
Grade: K-1
I liked reading this book its very sweet and I love the Clifford series, but I didn't love it as much as the other Clifford books I have had the pleasure in reading. Love the pictures and the mischief that baby Clifford gets into.

[Shauntel]

Kids love Clifford. And I don't mind reading the books, but I never think "this is such a great book!" as I read one. We still like them though.

[Bridget]

My kids always like a Clifford book

[Shelby]

Who doesn't love Clifford? A nice story about why you shouldn't bring your dog school! Plus a humorous ending. Adorable!

[Camie]

Quinncey's August book .Starts KG this month !!

[Rachel Collins]

Genre: Modern Fantasy
Grade: PreK-K

Clifford. What a classic. I think this book would be perfect for young ones who are about to start school. It could help alleviate their fears and get them excited for what is to come. I absolutely love reading about Clifford's fun and mischievous actions. The illustrations are nice and the book is relatable to children. I think it is a great, simple addition for those who love the big red dog.

[Clwseattle]

Clifford's First School Day is quite eventful! The illustrations are bright, colorful and charming.

Clifford's First School Day is one of about 25 'kindergarten' books I'm reading before I buy one for my grand who starts kindergarten this year. While I enjoyed Clifford's First School Day and will read it to my grand, it's not the kindergarten keepsake book I'm hoping to find as it is less about kindergarten and more about Clifford.

[Jessica]

This book is a cute one for kids to read. It is all about Clifford when he was a puppy and his first day of school. I think students would like reading this on their own because the pictures are interesting to look at. They can laugh at the cute little puppy while also reading about his crazy adventures. Many kids love dogs so I think they could find a connection with this book and really enjoy it. Great first day of school book.

[Emma Vargo]

K-1st fiction
A great story to read to children on their first day of school. Of course, there is silliness ensued when a dog comes to school and it offers an entertaining way of problem solving each time there is a hiccup with Clifford being in the class.

[Pamela Powell]

The Clifford books are among my favorites of all time and this one is just as charming as the others. Emily Elizabeth remembers the first time she took Clifford to school with her when he was just a tiny puppy. A great read-aloud for preschool and Kindergarten!

[Mum Reads]

My youngest grandson could not get enough of this book. Read it to he and his brother multiple times during a recent visit. He delighted in pointing to Clifford as a little puppy and would excitedly exclaim, "Puppy!" It was such fun!!

[Cara Byrne]

Full of mishaps, Clifford visits Emily Elizabeth's school and brings trouble with him.

[Yamile Méndez]

Clifford always makes me smile. He’s my son’s favorite!

[Adrianne Rosal]

Anything about the big red dog and I'm there!!

[Eliot Reads]

A first day of school book full of classic, messy Clifford fun.

[Luis Fe Domínguez]

La serie de Clifford es bonita. Me agrada.

[Little Champs]

2832

[Sue]

Clifford has tons of fun when he goes to school with Emily Elizabeth.

[Cherish Brown]

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

[Juliette]

Used this in a speech lesson, focusing on wh- questions (what's going to happen next) and sequencing the story

[Pam]

It's Clifford! What more can I say? Looking back to when Clifford was a small puppy, Clifford goes to school and gets into trouble.

[Elizabeth]

Clifford’s First School Day by Norman Bridwell -- This should be required reading to make it out of childhood! Emily Elizabeth is my girl! Happy Reading!