The Big Itch

Clifford the Big Red Dog

by Alison Inches, Anne-Marie Perrotta, Tean Schultz

Another beginning reader about everyone's favorite Big Red Dog, based on an episode from the award-winning TV show.

Clifford can't stop scratching an itch on his back. He even rubs his back against an apple tree--until all the apples fall! Emily Elizabeth wants to take him to the vet, but he doesn't want to go. Finally he learns to trust her, and the vet helps make it all better. Funny and touching, this Big Red Reader is just right for beginning readers.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

My daughter was a toddler shortly after the Clifford animated series debuted on PBS so we've accumulated a lot of books tied into that show. This one has Alison Inches and Robbin Cuddy making a reader out of "An Itchy Patch" (Season 1, Episode 7, September 12, 2000, original television script by Anne-Marie Perrotta and Tean Schultz).

Clifford has an itch, but he'd rather keep trying various ways to scratch it than go to the veterinarian to see what's causing it. It's a dull but decent story addressing anxiety about visiting the doctor.

[Talea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've loved Clifford since I was a young girl, way before the PBS cartoon. Now my kids get to enjoy him too. We all love the Clifford books and this one was no exception.

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book in the Clifford the Big Red Dog series. Cute story.

[Heather Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

megan summer reading 2016, children's book, leveled reader, easy reader, clifford the big red dog, series, tv tie-in, first grade, second grade

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story about Clifford having a big itch and not wanting to go to the vet. He tries to hide his itch from Emily, his owner, as long as possible but eventually is forced to go. His friends are also helping him hide it because they are also scared for him to go to the vet. He discovers there was nothing to be afraid of and that the vet actually helped him. I think children could relate going to the vet to going to the dr. Therefore this could send the message to children that going to the dr. is a good thing rather then a bad thing. The pictures and words are relatively simple. This makes this book great for beginning readers. I think it is important to have these types of books in a classroom library because it could be read by readers at many levels. Overall this story is cute and sends a great message.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our girls enjoy reading books in the Clifford series. They are starting to outgrow the books, but for now they still admit they like them. This is a good story about being afraid to go to the doctor (or in this case, vet). It shows that doctors are kind and helpful. Good, simple narrative for beginning readers and colorful illustrations highlight this tale. The illustrations are from the PBS Kids television show and, thank heavens, Emily Elizabeth does not have her soulless eyes as she typically does in the original books by Norman Bridwell.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clifford has a big itch that he tries to get rid of on his own, he is afraid of seeing the new vet. But in the end the vet is very nice and he sees it's not that bad and feels much better. This book is very easy read so would be okay for a beginner reader.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how T-bone reassured Cleo that Clifford is not Alone at the vet's office. "...she would never let anyone hurt him," said T-bone.

I like this book...it just made me feel itchy :)

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Big Itch
Inches, Alison
continuation of the Clifford series

[Jaime · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clifford has a problem that most dogs do but he uses other things to scratch against, houses, garages, etc. This is a funny adventure.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprisingly, this one wasn't NEARLY as stupid as most of the other Clifford books that are based on the TV show.

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an amusing read. I remember watching the episode version of this when I was small, good old memories. :)

[Sandra]

An amazing book for children and parents.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the "Do you remember" questions at the end of the story.
Helpful to make kids think back through what they just read or heard.

[Shauna Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clifford is always good to read aloud to young children. He's funny, helpful, and of course, terribly cute.

[bluetyson]

isbn,original

[Aaliyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love any book about Clifford the BIG RED DOG! :)