Based on the Best-Selling Books by Norman Bridwell, the Global Brand Supports Early Literacy and Teaches Important Pro-Social Values

NEW YORK, July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Scholastic Media, a division of Scholastic Inc., the global children’s publishing, education and media company, announced today that it will kick off the 50th anniversary celebration of Clifford the Big Red Dog® on September 24th – in conjunction with the publication of NORMAN BRIDWELL’S CLIFFORD COLLECTION and the ‘Biggest Birthday Party Ever’ at Scholastic headquarters in New York City, a live event which will be streamed to classrooms nationwide. The campaign will span the school year and will include the launch of new publishing, a birthday card campaign and a national sweepstakes leading up to Clifford’s official birthday on February 14, 2013. Since the first Clifford book was published in 1963, the property has expanded to include 126 million books in print and an Emmy® Award-winning television series – currently in its twelfth consecutive season on PBS KIDS in the US; the show has been sold to 30 countries in 12 languages worldwide.

“For 50 years, Clifford has earned a place among the most iconic and beloved characters in children’s literature and entertainment,” said Deborah Forte, President of Scholastic Media and Executive Vice President of Scholastic Inc. “We are delighted to invite children and families to participate in this BIG celebration – and to congratulate Norman Bridwell on this extraordinary milestone.”

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