Tad grew up in in a creative household in Norwell, MA, where his grandmother was an artist who helped him discover his own talents, and his mom a school science teacher who taught him to appreciate nature.

Tad graduated from Skidmore College in New York with a degree in Art. He has said, however, that his greatest educational experience has been raising his children: “Spending time with my kids helps me remember what it’s like to be a child. I try to capture that innocence and enthusiastic vision of the world in my books. I want kids to see themselves in my characters”

Tad has dabbled in many arts, including acting, jewelry-making, and interior designing. He began illustrating picture books in the late 90s when his wife, Lee Wade, was the vice president and creative director for Simon & Schuster’s children’s book division. “Lee used to ask me to try illustrating some books she couldn’t find an illustrator for,” he said. Hills published the first book in his breakout Duck & Goose series in 2006.

Tad lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife, two children, and his real-life dog, Rocket, who has not yet learned to read.  📖