Author & Illustrator Profile
Tad Hills
5 Books
Tad Hills is an acclaimed American author and illustrator of beloved children's picture books and board books. He is best known for creating the widely popular Duck & Goose series, which explores early childhood themes like friendship and feelings, as well as the engaging Rocket series, including the New York Times bestseller How Rocket Learned to Read. His charming illustrations and gentle storytelling make his work perfectly suited for young readers and early educational discovery.
Books in "Rocket"
Do you want to learn to read? Meet Rocket, a dog who loves to play and explore! One sunny day, a kind little yellow bird arrives and decides to teach Rocket something truly wonderful: how to read. Rocket isn't sure about learning at first, but the bird is a patient and encouraging teacher. She shows him the amazing alphabet, letter by letter, and soon Rocket starts to learn his sounds and words.
Join Rocket on his journey from knowing nothing about words to discovering the magic of reading. You'll see how he learns each letter and tries to put them together. It's a heartwarming story about friendship, curiosity, and the joy of learning something new. If you love dogs, birds, and discovering new things, you'll love watching Rocket find his way through the wonderful world of books!
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Discover the power of reading with a helpful dog named Rocket and his favorite teacher, a little yellow bird. Rocket is eager to learn new words, and his tiny feathered friend is here to help him spell out simple things like nest and mud.
You will join Rocket as he practices his new literacy skills, sounding out letters and discovering how they fit together to create meaning. Reading along with Rocket makes learning feel like a shared adventure. Whenever he masters a new word, you get to celebrate right alongside him.
This charming story is perfect for anyone who is just starting their own reading journey. Get ready to practice your vocabulary and see how many mighty words you can read all by yourself with Rocket leading the way.
6-8 Years
22 Pages
Rocket the dog loves collecting brand new words for his special word tree. With the help of his teacher, the little yellow bird, he sets out to find exciting new things to read.
You will join Rocket as he successfully finds a leaf, a hat, and a bright star. But the adventure takes a funny turn when he discovers a red boot and refuses to let it go. The little yellow bird must figure out exactly what to say to make Rocket drop his new favorite prize.
This engaging story is filled with simple, repetitive text that helps you practice your reading skills with confidence. Read along with Rocket as he learns new vocabulary and navigates a hilarious standoff over a shiny red boot.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Writing a story is a wonderful adventure, but sometimes finding the right idea is the hardest part. Rocket the dog loves books so much that he wants to create his own, but his pages are completely empty.
With some gentle encouragement from his teacher, the little yellow bird, Rocket sets out to look closely at the world around him. You will walk with him as he notices small, beautiful details he never saw before. Soon, he meets a timid baby owl who needs a friend, and suddenly, the perfect story idea begins to take shape.
This heartwarming tale shows you how to find inspiration in your own backyard. Grab your notebook and follow Rocket as he discovers the magic of creativity, patience, and finding your unique voice.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
The one hundredth day of school is a huge milestone, and Rocket the dog wants to celebrate in style. He is on a mission to collect exactly one hundred items to share with his classmates, and he has found the perfect spot to keep his collection safe.
You will join Rocket as he carefully counts his treasures, but a mischievous squirrel named Bella soon gets involved. Bella absolutely loves acorns, and her appetite might cause a big problem for Rocket's careful counting. You will have to help him figure out how to save his special school project.
This delightful story is packed with easy-to-read words and helpful picture clues that make reading a breeze. Practice your counting skills and celebrate a major school milestone alongside your favorite reading dog.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
