Norman Ray Bridwell (February 15, 1928 – December 12, 2014) was an American author and cartoonist best known for creating the Clifford the Big Red Dog book series.

In order to make some extra money, Bridwell organized a portfolio in 1962 and attempted to get a job as a children's book illustrator, but he was rejected by approximately fifteen publishing houses.

[5] While at Harper & Row, an editor, believing that Bridwell's art was not good enough to be sold on its own, suggested he turn one of his drawings into a story.

The drawing that the editor picked out for this task was of a young girl and a horse-sized bloodhound, and the story became Clifford the Big Red Dog.

The author presented The Witch Next Door to his editor alongside a new copy of Clifford, only intending to bring along a little extra content to share.