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Clifford the Big Red Dog - Little Clifford (S1E23)

Clifford the Big Red Dog poster

In flashbacks, Emily meets Clifford, and her love turns him into the biggest dog around.

Runtime (min)15
Air Date2000-09-19
GenresAnimation, Kids
TV RatingTV-Y

Where to Watch

Storyline

In the episode 'Little Clifford,' viewers are taken on a nostalgic journey through flashbacks as Emily Elizabeth recounts her first encounter with Clifford. Initially, Clifford is just a tiny puppy, and Emily's love and care for him help him grow into the enormous dog he eventually becomes. The enchanting bond they share illustrates the power of love and friendship.

As Emily nurtures Clifford, he transforms into the biggest dog around, bringing joy and excitement to their adventures together. The episode highlights key moments where Emily's affection fuels Clifford's growth, emphasizing how love can lead to remarkable changes. This heartwarming story showcases the importance of companionship and the impact of nurturing relationships.

What Parents Say

Parents will appreciate the underlying message of love and care in 'Little Clifford.' The episode beautifully illustrates how Emily's nurturing spirit plays a crucial role in Clifford's transformation. It serves as a reminder that positive relationships can lead to significant growth, not just for pets but in all aspects of life. This theme resonates with the values many parents wish to instill in their children.

Additionally, the flashback storytelling technique engages viewers by providing context to the characters' bond. Parents may find themselves discussing the importance of patience and love with their children after watching this episode, as well as the joys of caring for pets. The episode encourages conversations about responsibility and empathy.

What Children Can Learn

Children watching 'Little Clifford' will learn valuable lessons about the power of love and friendship. The episode showcases how Emily's affection helps Clifford grow, teaching kids that nurturing relationships can lead to wonderful outcomes. They will understand that love can truly make a big difference, not just in their lives but also in the lives of those they care for.

Additionally, young viewers will discover the significance of patience and care when it comes to pets. As they witness Clifford's journey from a small puppy to a giant dog, kids will realize that growth takes time and attention. This encourages them to be responsible and compassionate towards animals.

Lastly, the episode promotes creativity and imagination as children see how extraordinary things can happen through love and kindness. It inspires them to think about their own relationships and how their actions can positively influence others, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.

Five Most Asked Questions

Here are some common questions parents might have about the episode 'Little Clifford' and its themes.

Question Answer
What is the main lesson of this episode? The main lesson of 'Little Clifford' is that love and care can lead to significant growth and transformation. Emily's nurturing spirit helps Clifford evolve from a small puppy into a giant dog, showing that strong, affectionate relationships can create remarkable changes in our lives and the lives of those we care for.
How does the flashback storytelling work in this episode? The flashback storytelling in 'Little Clifford' allows viewers to see the origins of Emily and Clifford's bond. By narrating their early experiences together, the episode provides context for their relationship, illustrating how Emily's love fosters Clifford's growth. This technique adds depth to the story and enhances emotional engagement.
What values can children learn from Emily and Clifford's relationship? Children can learn valuable values such as patience, responsibility, and empathy from Emily and Clifford's relationship. As they watch Emily care for Clifford, they understand the importance of nurturing animals and the positive impact it has on their growth. This teaches kids to be kind and responsible pet owners themselves.
Does this episode encourage conversations about pet care? Yes, 'Little Clifford' encourages conversations about pet care. Parents can use the episode to discuss the responsibilities that come with having a pet, such as providing love, attention, and care. It serves as a great starting point for teaching children about the commitment involved in pet ownership.
How does the episode inspire creativity in children? The episode inspires creativity by showcasing how extraordinary things can happen through love and kindness. As children watch Clifford grow due to Emily's affection, they are encouraged to think about their own relationships and the impact of their actions. This fosters imagination and inspires them to envision possibilities in their own lives.

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

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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