American Author and Cartoonist. Bridwell was best known for his “Clifford the Big Red Dog” book series. Norman was born in 1928 at Kokomo, Indiana.He graduated Kokomo High School in 1945.By 1962, Bridwell was married to his wife Norma, and they had an infant daughter Emily Elizabeth, as well as a son named Timothy. At the time of his death, they had three grandchildren. Bridwell put together a portfolio and attempted to get a job as a children’s book illustrator but was rejected by around fifteen publishing houses.While at Harper and Row, an editor offhandedly suggested he turn one of his drawings into a story. The drawing was of a baby girl and a horse-sized bloodhound, and the story became Clifford The Big Red Dog.That book spawned over 40 best-selling Clifford books,two television shows, merchandise, and a musical. Bridwell’s other successful books include The Witch Next Door, and A Tiny Family. There are over 126 million copies of his books in print in 13 languages. The Bridwells resided on Martha’s Vineyard in 1969 until his death. Bridwell died on December 12, 2014, at the age of 86. (bio by: Charlie Holterson)  Family links:  Parents:  Vern Ray Bridwell (1887 – 1961)  Mary Leona Bridwell (1897 – 1980)