How Rocket Learned to Read
by Tad Hills ’81
Schwartz & Wade, July 2010
Rocket is a lovable dog that enjoys chasing leaves, chewing sticks and taking naps. One day, his sleep is interrupted by a bird, who assigns him to be her first student. Rocket wants no part of her lessons, but the bird is determined to teach him to read. She hangs the letters of the alphabet for Rocket to see, and begins to read a story aloud, sure to pique his interest. Overcome by curiosity, Rocket becomes a willing pupil, and over time learns to spell out the names of the things around him. With practice and persistence, Rocket learns to read.
“Tad Hills’s illustrations, rendered in oil and colored pencil, offer full pages, spreads, and oval vignettes… Adults will love the bird’s enthusiasm, her use of stories, and her ability to associate lessons with Rocket’s everyday life to win over her reluctant pupil. Youngsters will find this addition to Hills’s cast of adorable animal characters simply irresistible.”
—Marianne Saccardi,
School Library Journal Review
Rocket has an App on iTunes! Ranked a “Top Five Paid Book App” in January 2011, and described as “40 pages of interactive delight” by the New York Times, How Rocket Learned to Read app is available for $4.99 and is designed for children ages 3–7.