The idea for Duck and Goose started with only a title-The Silly Goose, the Odd Duck and the Good Egg. His break out book, Duck and Goose (Schwartz and Wade, 2006) was one of them. “I started with four stories,” says Hills. When Lee moved to Random House to start her own imprint with long-time friend and associate, Ann Schwartz, she encouraged Hills to write his own picture books. “Lee used to ask me to try illustrating some books she couldn’t find an illustrator for,” Hills says. But Hills’ break into children’s publishing coincided with his wife Lee’s new position as the art director for Simon and Schuster’s children’s book division. He’s done some acting, made jewelry, makes fake teeth for stage productions, dabbled in interior renovation, and illustrated book jackets for adult trade books. “I liked making things,” he says.Īs a graduate of Skidmore College in New York with a degree in art, Hills describes himself as the ultimate freelancer. I spent a lot of time on my own making things, drawing, and painting.” Hills was not consciously trying to become an artist, rather his motives were innocent and pure. “Whenever I picture myself ,” says Tad Hills, “I am doing art.
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