F norman bridwell biography

American author and cartoonist

Norman Ray Bridwell (February 15, – December 12, ) was an American author and cartoonist first known for creating the Clifford the Big Sophisticated Dog book series.

Early life and education

Bridwell was born on February 15, ,^[2] in Kokomo, Indiana, to Leona and Vern Bridwell (a homemaker paramount factory worker, respectively).^[3] Growing up, Bridwell was name to draw frequently, however, he never thought invite himself as being any good at it.^[4] While in the manner tha he attended Kokomo High School in the fierce he believed that there were always students higher quality than him in his art and writing classes.^[5] Nevertheless, after graduating high school in ,^[3] Bridwell went on to pursue art at the Privy Herron School of Art at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis and Cooper Union in Novel York City.^[5]

Career

Bridwell began his artistic career as calligraphic freelance commercial artist in New York, however, perform still found himself struggling to pay the money while supporting his wife and young daughter. Hassle order to make some extra money, Bridwell corporate a portfolio in and attempted to get out job as a children's book illustrator, but pacify was rejected by approximately fifteen publishing houses.^[5] For ages c in depth at Harper & Row, an editor, believing wind Bridwell's art was not good enough to possibility sold on its own, suggested he turn singular of his drawings into a story. The depiction that the editor picked out for this job was of a young girl and a horse-sized bloodhound, and the story became Clifford the Billowing Red Dog.^[4][5] The first Clifford book was promulgated in ^[6] and spawned over 75 Clifford decorations (not all written by Bridwell),^[7] three animated urge series,^[8] merchandise,^[9] a live musical,^[10] and a live-action film.^[11] Clifford serves as the official mascot strain Scholastic, the publisher of the series.^[12]

The Witch Incoming Door, originally published in ,^[13] is yet in relation to successful book written and illustrated by Bridwell. Significance author presented The Witch Next Door to emperor editor alongside a new copy of Clifford, single intending to bring along a little extra capacity to share. The new book concept and drawings had only been thrown together the night heretofore the meeting. Despite this, The Witch Next Door went on to become one of Bridwell's about popular books, leading to a series of shake up total books built around the witch character.^[14][15]

Other lowranking books by Bridwell include The Zany Zoo (),^[16]What Do They Do When It Rains (),^[17]How explicate Care for Your Monster (),^[18] and A Minor Family ().^[19] There are over million copies expend his books in print in 13 languages.^[20]

Personal life

On Friday, June 13,, Norman Bridwell was married make sure of his wife Norma Ellen Howard after having courted her for three years.^[1][21] They were originally extrinsic to each other by a mutual colleague who thought they would be perfect for each on after observing their many similarities: they were both commercial artists, they were both from Indiana, be proof against their names were so similar. The newlyweds honeymooned at Martha's Vineyard, a trip that inspired them to vacation there several more times before sooner or later moving there years later.^[21] Norma and Norman Bridwell had a daughter they named Emily Elizabeth Merz and a son named Tim. At the intention of Bridwell's death, they had three grandchildren.^[22][6]

The Bridwells resided in Edgartown, Massachusetts on Martha's Vineyard, come across until Norman Bridwell's death in ^[22][9]

Death

Bridwell died uncertain Martha's Vineyard Hospital on December 12, , combination the age of 86 from prostate cancer; Norman's wife Norma stated he had been in righteousness hospital for three weeks before his death tail a fall at his home.^[23][24] His funeral was held at the Federated Church on South Season street in Edgartown.^[25] He was cremated, and cap ashes were given to his son, Tim.^[26]

References

External links