Marking 50 years since the first Norman Bridwell-penned Clifford the Big Red Dog book was published, Scholastic has announced it will kick of celebrations on September 24 with new publishing, apps and a live classroom birthday event.

In the lead up to Clifford’s official birthday on February 14, 2013, Scholastic is publishing Bridwell’s Clifford Collection on September 24. The collection of six classic stories originally published between 1963 and 1977 features an original letter from Bridwell and the never-before-seen 1962 painting that inspired the Clifford series. In spring 2013, Clifford’s Birthday Party and Clifford’s Bedtime Story will be published in eBook and Spanish editions, and Storia, Scholastic’s eReading app for kids, will launch more than 20 Clifford eBooks.

Also on September 24, Scholastic will host a live classroom birthday event from its New York City headquarters that will be webcast to classrooms across the US. The festivities will include activities that support the social, emotional, literacy and language skills the Clifford brand teaches.

New digital products include the September launch of Clifford’s BIG Birthday App for iOS and Android devices. The app features birthday-themed games that build literacy skills and implements augmented reality. Three Facebook apps on Clifford’s Facebook page will also debut in November, December and January.

In addition, an online birthday card campaign will launch at scholastic.com/clifford, a national sweepstakes for fans will launch, and PBS Kids will air a special broadcast premiere of Clifford’s Really Big Movie in December.

Rounding out the activity, participating Y-USAs will host Clifford-themed birthday parties from September, and Lionsgate is set to release a new celebratory DVD in early 2013. Other licensees on-board for new Clifford products include Douglas and Zoobies (plush toys), Patch Products and Canadian Games (games and puzzles), Buy Seasons (party supplies), and Bendon (coloring and activity tiles). The Clifford live show will also continue through spring 2013.