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Clifford's Halloween
Last updated Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Author: Norman Bridwell
Date of Publication: 1966
ISBN: 1338188313
Grade Level: Kindergarten (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2025
Synopsis:
This vintage hardcover reissue of Clifford's Halloween showcases Norman Bridwell's 1966 two-color artwork and brings the traditional silliness of Halloween to a new generation of readers.
Emily Elizabeth and Clifford (the big, red dog) are ready for the spookiest day of the year! They make the most of their Halloween: bobbing for apples, listening to ghost stories, and trick-or-treating. But when it's time to dress up, there are too many costumes to choose from! Zebra, Witch, Knight - what should Clifford be?
| Note to readers: |
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Not everyone may be familiar with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Explain that a little girl named Emily Elizabeth has a giant red dog named Clifford as a pet. He's bigger than a house! Can you imagine?
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What holidays does your family celebrate? What's your favorite one?
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What are some holiday traditions in your family?
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Do you dress up in costume for Halloween?
Vocabulary:
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bobbing for apples – a game using only your mouth to get apples floating in a tub of water
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scary ghost story – frightening stories about ghosts, haunted houses, or monsters, often told on Halloween
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suggest – make a recommendation
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Note how Clifford's size makes such a difference throughout the story (the April Fool's trick, the Thanksgiving turkey, the Halloween games, trick-or-treating …).
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Why do people stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve?
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What do you think Clifford should wear for Halloween?
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What will YOU be for Halloween?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Cut pumpkin shapes from orange construction paper, and the kids can draw the face they would carve to make a jack-o-lantern. (See example on the cover.) Note: pumpkins can be any color if you run out of orange paper
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Make a ball of paper and cover it with some white fabric. Using a rubber band or pipe cleaner, tie the fabric below the ball. Use markers to draw a spooky face on the ghost.
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Decorate a paper bag to take trick-or-treating.
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| Special activities: |
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Do any students celebrate Dia de Los Muertos? Talk about those traditions.
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Discuss Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating. What's their favorite costume or favorite candy? Feel free to share about your own costumes when you were a kid!
Please bring the kids back by 11:10 for the magic show that starts at 11:15!
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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