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Clifford the Big Red Dog - My Best Friend (S1E1)

Clifford the Big Red Dog poster

My Best Friend - Believe in yourself Emily decides that she must find something "special" for Show and Tell. But after an exhaustive search of Birdwell Island for the perfect thing to share, Emily learns that sometimes the best things in life are right under your nose.

Runtime (min)15
Air Date2000-09-04
GenresAnimation, Kids
TV RatingTV-Y

Where to Watch

Storyline

In the episode 'My Best Friend,' Emily Elizabeth is determined to find something special for her Show and Tell presentation at school. She explores Birdwell Island, searching high and low for the perfect item to share with her classmates. Despite her exhaustive efforts, she finds herself feeling disappointed, as nothing seems quite right for the occasion.

As the story unfolds, Emily learns an important lesson about self-worth and the value of her friendship with Clifford. In the end, she realizes that the best things in life, like the bond she shares with her big red dog, are often right in front of her. This heartwarming moment highlights the significance of believing in oneself and appreciating the love and friendship that surround us.

What Parents Say

This episode offers a wonderful message about self-acceptance and the importance of valuing what you have. Parents will appreciate seeing Emily's journey as she grapples with the pressure to find something extraordinary for Show and Tell. It emphasizes that sometimes, the most meaningful things are not material possessions but rather the connections we have with others, including our pets.

Additionally, the vibrant animation and engaging storyline keep young viewers entertained while imparting valuable life lessons. As Emily realizes the significance of her friendship with Clifford, it encourages children to appreciate the relationships in their lives, reinforcing the idea that true value often lies in love and companionship.

What Children Can Learn

Children watching 'My Best Friend' will learn an important lesson about self-worth and the beauty of friendship. As Emily searches for the perfect item for Show and Tell, they’ll see how her determination leads to a deeper understanding of what truly matters. This teaches kids that it's okay to feel pressure but that they should also recognize and appreciate their unique qualities.

Moreover, the episode encourages children to look around them and understand that sometimes the best gifts come in the form of relationships. By the end, kids will grasp that the love and support from friends, like Emily’s bond with Clifford, are what truly make life special. This heartwarming message resonates well with young audiences and promotes a positive outlook on life.

Five Most Asked Questions

Here are the top five questions parents may have about the episode 'My Best Friend' from Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Question Answer
What does Emily learn during her search for Show and Tell? Emily learns that the most special things in life often aren't material possessions. Instead, the love and connection she shares with her friend Clifford are what truly matter. Through her journey, she discovers that self-worth comes from appreciating her unique qualities and relationships rather than from external validations.
How does Clifford support Emily in this episode? Clifford is a constant source of encouragement for Emily throughout her search. His unwavering loyalty and companionship remind her that she doesn't need to find something extraordinary to impress others. Instead, the bond they share is the most special thing she can present, showcasing the importance of friendship.
What activities do Emily and Clifford engage in while searching for the perfect item? Emily and Clifford explore various locations around Birdwell Island, engaging in playful activities as they look for the perfect Show and Tell item. They visit the park, the beach, and even interact with other characters, showcasing their adventurous spirit while reinforcing the theme of teamwork and exploration.
What message does this episode convey about self-esteem? The episode conveys a positive message about self-esteem by highlighting that true value comes from within and from our relationships. Emily's initial struggle to find something special transforms into an understanding that she already has the most precious thing in her life—her friendship with Clifford, demonstrating that self-worth is rooted in love and acceptance.
How does the episode encourage children to view their friendships? The episode encourages children to view their friendships as invaluable treasures. By illustrating Emily's realization that her bond with Clifford is the most meaningful, it promotes the idea that friendships are built on love and support, urging young viewers to cherish their own relationships and appreciate the joy they bring.

Cast

John Ritter
Clifford (voice)
Grey DeLisle
Emily Howard (voice)
Kel Mitchell
T-Bone (voice)
Cree Summer
Cleo (voice)
Gary LeRoi Gray
Charley (voice)
Show 2 more cast
Cam Clarke
Mac Handover (voice)
Kath Soucie
Jetta Handover (voice)

Writing

  • Sindy McKay — Writer

Directing

Season
Season #Episode #Episode Name
11
My Best Friend - Believe in yourself Emily decides that she must find something "special" for Show and Tell. But after an exhaustive search of Birdwell Island for the perfect thing to share, Emily learns that sometimes the best things in life are right under your nose.
12
Cleo doesn't want to share her new toy with anyone.
13
Clifford accidentally breaks a present he was supposed to deliver for Emily.
14
Clifford tries to stay clean for a magazine's Dog of the Year contest.
15
Emily has to take care of a baby bird, leaving her little time to play with Clifford.
16
Emily is jealous when Jetta gets to visit an exciting city.
17
Everyone, including Clifford, must work as a team to put on the fall carnival.
18
Emily's cousin Laura and her dog, Rex, arrive for a visit.
19
T-Bone finds himself in a race against Mac.
110
When the dogs eat too many treats, they learn that too much of a good thing can be bad.
111
In a flashback story, Cleo shakes things up when she arrives on the island.
112
When Cleo makes a new friend, she starts ignoring Clifford and T-Bone.
113
Emily competes against Jetta for the lead in the school play.
114
Clifford itches like crazy but hides his discomfort to avoid a trip to the doctor.
115
The new dog in town has only three legs, which makes the gang uncomfortable.
116
Clifford's digging talents become an asset when a big storm blows in.
117
Clifford learns that stars, like everyone else, sometimes need help.
118
Cleo develops stage fright when the dogs are recruited to help with a show.
119
All fingers and paws point to Emily as the thief when Jetta's trophy and locket vanish.
120
Jetta mocks Emily's plans for her birthday party activities.
121
When Mac tears one of Jetta's sweaters, he feels terrible about it and runs away.
122
Jetta learns that it's OK to have fears and admit them.
123
In flashbacks, Emily meets Clifford, and her love turns him into the biggest dog around.
124
Clifford has to dispel preconceived ideas about large dogs.
125
126
127
Clifford jumps into a pile of leaves that T-Bone has raked, and when they scatter he has a lesson to learn; Charley finally finds a sport he can't master, “jiggly juggle,” but he decides to work at it anyway.
128
129
The dogs go to school for the first time, and T-Bone worries that he won't be able to keep up; the library sponsors an essay contest called “Islander of the Year.” Guess who it is?
130
131
T-Bone's not looking forward to the town celebration because he's afraid of loud noises; nobody will play with Clifford because they're too busy planning a surprise party for him.
132
133
134
135
Mac starts an “exclusive” club (he wants to exclude T-Bone); Mr. Bleekman wants to exclude dogs from the park, but he finds that he misses them when they're gone.
136
137
Cleo is voted Fluffiest Dog of Birdwell Island and can't stop bragging about it; Jetta tells Vaz that he's bad at soccer, which prompts him to stop playing.
138
139
140
141
Clifford and Cleo think that T-Bone is moving; the dogs are upset with the arrival of cats, but then they learn that different isn't necessarily bad.
142
143
Clifford misses Emily when she goes on a trip, so his friends try to make up for it; Charley wants to lead a chore-free dog's life.
144
145
T-Bone falls in love. Meanwhile, Clifford tries to make the perfect Valentine for Emily.
146
147
Cleo is jealous of her owner's sister's dog, Susie. Also: it's role-reversal time: Clifford, Cleo and T-Bone take care of a pet.
148
149
T-Bone gets a new sweater but learns that “Clothes Don't Make the Dog”; Emily thinks Clifford is neglecting her.
150
151
T-Bone eats Cleo's new dog food then lies about it; Charley and Emily have an ice-cream party when Charley's father is away.
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
While her house is being painted, Cleo stays with Clifford---and takes over; the dogs try to get grumpy Mr. Bleakman to brighten up, and find that their good deeds make them feel good, too.
160
161
Clifford and the other dogs pitch in with the “Keep Birdwell Island Beautiful” effort by planting a flower garden. Except for Cleo. She wants to plant a dog-toy garden for herself. Then the dogs find the long-buried trunk of the island's discoverer, Captain Birdwell. But Jetta is given credit for the find. Will she tell the truth? Voice of Clifford: John Ritter.
162
163
In a flashback sequence, the Howards arrive on Birdwell Island, and their new neighbors join in welcoming a very big newcomer. Then Jetta breaks a beach date with Emily Elizabeth because she has received a “better offer” from an older girl.
164
165
Clifford gets a really big case of the hiccups and his friends have a big job helping him get rid of them; Jetta throws a movie party, but all she shows are home movies of herself.
166
167
Clifford cleans out his doghouse but can't throw things away because each item holds a memory. Also, Jetta has a new baby brother, but that means that she no longer gets all the attention.
168
169
Jetta's envious of Emily Elizabeth because everybody loves her pet, Clifford. So she makes up a pet of her own. Then Cleo helps Vaz with his paper route. She likes helping him and she likes the treats she gets as a reward. In fact, she mostly likes the treats.
170
171
Clifford and Emily Elizabeth try to get Mr. Bleakman (voice of Earl Boen), a notorious party pooper, to attend the Howards' party; Emily Elizabeth writes a poem for her mother's birthday, but Jetta thinks it's not a good gift.
172
173
K.C. returns for a visit and Cleo's so excited that she forgets her other friends. Also, rain threatens the back-to-school barbecue and Mac is so disappointed that his friends try to stop the rain.
174
175
It's Topsy Turvy Day, so Jetta and Emily “trade” dogs. Then Clifford is told to polish his manners for Mrs. Bleakman's book-club party. Voice of Mrs. Bleakman: Edie McClurg.
176
177
Clifford forgets a play date with Cleo, who accuses him of abusing her friendship; Cleo teases T-bone because he's smitten with a visiting dog named Mimi.
178
179
Cleo borrows Clifford's favorite blanket and carelessly gets it dirty; the dogs dig for dinosaur bones as part of a friend's college project.
180
Season #Episode #Episode Name
21
Cleo Pretends to hurt herself so she won't have to embarrass herself on the ice rink. But with the help of Clifford and his friends, they help her understand that trying new things with your friends is fun.
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
Emily Elizabeth and Jetta try to get Charley to honor his promises; Cleo runs away to avoid taking a bath.
236
237
When Cleo's bored by the rain, Clifford gets her to imagine an exciting story; a power failure threatens Birdwell Island, but Clifford and Mr. Bleakman save the day.
238
239
240
241
A visiting dog tries to lead Clifford astray, but he learns to stand up for his beliefs; the kids wonder if marriage will change their teacher.
242
243
Ads for a new dog food influence Clifford and his friends; news of an old buddy's upcoming visit makes T-Bone recall his days as a puppy.
244
245
Clifford accidentally bathes in dye and then tries to hide the fact; Mary's afraid to perform in front of an audience, but is helped by Emily.
246
247
T-Bone puts together a pop band that Mac would like to join; a dog champion comes to Birdwell Island and all the dogs want to impress him.
248
249
A very small dog named Frankie envies Clifford being big; T-Bone and Clifford have to adjust to their differences in size.
250

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