Clifford: The Big White Ghost

by Norman Bridwell, Ken Edwards (Illustrator), Norman Bridwell (Creator)

This funny Halloween story about Clifford the Big Red Dog, based on an episode from the award-winning TV show, is just right for beginning readers.

It's Halloween, and the whole town dresses up in funny or spooky costumes and gathers at the beach to watch a scary ghost movie together. When Clifford investigates the big white movie screen afterwards, it falls on him, covering him like a ghost! He runs through town, unintentionally scaring everybody. Emily Elizabeth's friend Jetta learns that it's okay to admit to being afraid.

Genres: Childrens, Halloween, Fiction, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2003

About the author

Norman Bridwell was an American author and cartoonist, best-known for the Clifford the Big Red Dog series of children's books. Bridwell attended John Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, Indiana. He lived on Martha's Vineyard, MA, where he wrote an average of two books a year.

Reviews

[Elizabeth S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really just prefer the original Clifford books by Norman Bridwell. The TV show is okay, but the books based on the TV show are a step worse.

[J.P. Sirro · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.3/5

A fun and slightly spooky Clifford adventure! My toddler loved seeing Clifford painted all white and pretending to be a ghost — it’s just the right amount of “boo!” for little readers without being scary. The story moves quickly, and as always, Clifford’s big heart is at the center of the fun.

The illustrations are classic and charming, and the Halloween theme makes it a great seasonal read. Only small critique is that the ending feels a bit rushed, but overall, it’s a playful and imaginative addition to the Clifford series. Definitely one we’ll be re-reading come Halloween time!

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's Halloween, and Emily Elizabeth's snotty friend Jetta and her arrogant dog Mac get a comeuppance when they belittle other people's (and dogs') fears. A thin two-minute reader adaptation of a thin ten-minute animated segment.

FOR REFERENCE:

Adapted by Gail Herman from the television script "Boo!" by Lois Becker and Mark Stratton for the Clifford the Big Red Dog PBS Kids animated series, Season 1, Episode 11, September 18, 2000.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok as far as learning-to-read books go. We weren't overly fond of the spookiness of the book, but it wasn't bad enough to cause any sleeplessness. I did like that there were suggested reading comprehension questions in the back. That was neat.

[Chanae Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Halloween and Clifford and his friends are watching a scary movie at the beach. Clifford is scared and one of his friends acts tough and says that he’s not scared of anything. When Clifford goes to look at the movie screen he gets caught in the screen and looks like a big white ghost. Clifford’s friend who said he wasn’t afraid ends up getting scared and ends up learning that everyone gets scared.
This book could be used if we are doing a unit on Halloween. I could read this to the students and then have them write a story on what they would do if they saw Clifford the Big White Ghost coming toward them.

[Josiah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story, adapted from the successful Clifford PBS television series, does a nice job of bringing out the fun and personalities of the television characters in a necessarily short amount of text. The Halloween story is both safe and enjoyable.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a a funny and engaging 'scary' adventure for Clifford. It is a safe read for kids who want a little fun and a boo.

[Horace Mann Family Reading Challenge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clifford and his friend went to the movies and they watched a very spooky movie. It was really good at the end. L.

[Sagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kid's Review: "Oh no! A ghost! Clifford is scared!" Got it from the library and had to renew it twice.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clifford is usually a decent read and the French was right at our level.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think that clifford is funny!