Independent reading level: grades 1

We read this as part of the ABC Jesus Loves Me year one curriculum. Little One loves seeing the big red dog and I found the story enjoyable as well. I think older kiddos will find a lot of humor in Clifford's mistakes. ( )

I previously reviewed a 1969 printing. This newer edition of Clifford's first book has a redrawn cover to better match his depiction on the PBS show and full-color printing. It's also 16 pages shorter by combining text and pictures on the same page. This 39th printing in 2001 has a coloring error on the fourth story page ("Other kids have dogs, too. Some are big dogs.") where Clifford's red tummy has actually been colored sky blue, making him appear as if he is only hip, leg, and tail. I'm curious to see if newer editions have fixed that. ( )

This 1969 printing of Clifford has been in my family since I was two years old. Clifford is fugly cute in a lot of the pictures, but his mischievous spirit and Emily Elizabeth's love carries the day. ( )

The story of a special friendship between a girl and her dog.