Clifford's big birthday

NPR recently posted an article celebrating the 50th "birthday" of Clifford the Big Red Dog. Created by author and illustrator Norman Bridwell in 1962, the Clifford series has sold more than 126 million copies and is available in 13 languages. The article includes a really sweet interview with Bridwell and his wife Norma (yes, they do seem to be named Norman and Norma), who are unexpectedly blunt about the realities of writing a children's series:

"[Writing the series] has gotten more difficult over the years. Every time I think of an idea, I think, 'Well, that's kind of like the idea that I did a couple of times before.' And I'm running out of situations."

Plus, the Bridwells apparently try to respond to all the letters people send him (and Clifford), which makes me happy.