Scholastic to Launch an ALL NEW Clifford™ with Upcoming Television Series, Book Publishing, and Global Licensing Programs at Frankfurt Book Fair

New York, NY, October 1, 2018 – Clifford The Big Red Dog™ is back in a BIG way! From a new animated television series and an expansive global licensing program, to a full-scale publishing initiative and a hybrid live-action movie in the works at Paramount Pictures. With a whole new look for Clifford and his best friend Emily Elizabeth, the enduring brand is well-poised to win over a new generation of kids and families worldwide.

The NEW Clifford The Big Red Dog television series is produced by Scholastic Entertainment, the media division of Scholastic, and will feature 39 22-minute episodes showcasing new adventures and characters, fresh and colorful locations on Birdwell Island, a new art style and an original song in every episode. As part of this exciting launch, Scholastic is also assembling a great BIG collection of books inspired by the eagerly-awaited animated series. The first three books in the style of the series will be launching in U.S. markets next year, with a book about swimming in May 2019, a back-to-school-themed title arriving at retail in July, and a “Welcome to Birdwell Island” book timed to the debut of the show, which will introduce the full cast of the series and their world. Additional books inspired by the TV series will follow, and a new edition of the original Clifford book will add to the extensive backlist of classic titles. Today there are more than 133 million Clifford books in print in 16 different languages.

“Clifford The Big Red Dog has been a beloved friend to children and families around the world for more than 50 years through the popular and enduring Scholastic books by Norman Bridwell,” said Debra Dorfman, VP & Publisher Global Licensing, Brands & Media, Scholastic Inc. “With a new television series, licensing program, movie and more on the way, we’re delighted to help reinvigorate the larger-than-life brand with a wide-ranging publishing program that will introduce Clifford, Emily Elizabeth and their friends to today’s young readers in fresh and exciting ways.”

With Clifford-sized humor and a curriculum focused on imaginative play, early literacy, and social-emotional skills, the NEW Clifford The Big Red Dog show will entertain young viewers as it helps reinforce important developmental concepts. And for the first time, Clifford and Emily Elizabeth will speak to each other! Emily Elizabeth has been realized as a stronger and more independent female character to inspire today’s girls. The new show is set to premiere in the U.S. on Amazon Prime Video and PBS KIDS in fall 2019. The first 13 episodes available will be available for international broadcast beginning January 2020. 100 Chickens and 9 Story/Brown Bag Films are on board to help bring this great big series to life.

“We’re thrilled about bringing the new Clifford The Big Red Dog television series to viewers around the world,” said Caitlin Friedman, co-executive producer and VP & General Manager of Scholastic Entertainment. “With messages of friendship, love and kindness at its core, this show will help reinforce important social-emotional concepts for young viewers as they learn and grow along with Clifford and Emily Elizabeth.”

About Scholastic Entertainment
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of core literacy curriculum and professional services, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. Scholastic Entertainment, the media division of Scholastic, brings quality, family-oriented content across multiple platforms to audiences across the globe. Among its award-winning productions are the animated series Clifford The Big Red Dog®, The Magic School Bus® and The Magic School Bus®: Rides Again as well as the Goosebumps® film franchise and live-action series. With several feature films and both live-action and animated series in development, Scholastic Entertainment continues to build celebrated children’s brands worldwide.

Press contacts:

Grand Communications
Alison Grand
212-584-1133; alison@grandcommunications.com

Laura Liebeck
845-440-7974; laura@grandcommunications.com