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Wages Creek
Dercum Audio is pleased to invite you on a camping trip with the Hickey Family, where everything is going great until Dad catches a cold. That's when the real fun begins. The story takes place at Wages Creek, a magical place where the grasses are tall, the creek bubbles lullabies, and the local ducks are not like any ducks you've met before.
- GenresChildrens
30 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1995
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 4, 2024
I had the pleasure of reading a delightful children's book, Wages Creek, as an advanced reader copy.
From the moment my son and I first pulled Wages Creek out of its packaging, he was enthralled with the cover art. I loved the concept of the read-along CD that came with it. The CD included a complete reading and exciting sound effects to emphasize sections of the story.
Wages Creek is a 30-page children's book written by Jeffrey Hickey and illustrated by Karen Kiser. It is about a man who goes camping with his family and catches a cold. His family goes off to explore nature while letting Dad rest. He awakens to realize just how unique Wages Creek and the ducks there are.
This book was fun to read with my son. It is probably geared more towards ages 6 or 7 and up, and with my toddler being three and a half, we just broke it up into three sessions to finish the book. The creative storyline teaches children to appreciate family and the small things. The whole audio CD was so fun to read along with. We would follow along in the book, and my son was delighted by the sound effects. I don't think I have ever had a children's book that was quite so fun to follow along with.
This book needs to be paired with the Audio disc to get the full effect. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It was brilliantly done all around. I highly recommend this book, especially for campers, animal lovers, and the waterfowl variety.
From the moment my son and I first pulled Wages Creek out of its packaging, he was enthralled with the cover art. I loved the concept of the read-along CD that came with it. The CD included a complete reading and exciting sound effects to emphasize sections of the story.
Wages Creek is a 30-page children's book written by Jeffrey Hickey and illustrated by Karen Kiser. It is about a man who goes camping with his family and catches a cold. His family goes off to explore nature while letting Dad rest. He awakens to realize just how unique Wages Creek and the ducks there are.
This book was fun to read with my son. It is probably geared more towards ages 6 or 7 and up, and with my toddler being three and a half, we just broke it up into three sessions to finish the book. The creative storyline teaches children to appreciate family and the small things. The whole audio CD was so fun to read along with. We would follow along in the book, and my son was delighted by the sound effects. I don't think I have ever had a children's book that was quite so fun to follow along with.
This book needs to be paired with the Audio disc to get the full effect. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It was brilliantly done all around. I highly recommend this book, especially for campers, animal lovers, and the waterfowl variety.
May 11, 2014
Ive been given a lot of "read for review " books recently that have been less than stellar. I was actually contemplating giving up the whole thing since I only seem to succeed in injuring feelings with my honesty. But I saw "Wages Creek " in my inbox and the synopsis mentioned ducks; well, my resolve crumbled. I had to read it.
Anyone with pets (I love ducks and have 13 of them) will know the feeling where you start to attribute human-ness to them. You talk to them and they talk back. Yes, they do! Well in this story that is what happens. Sort of.
Jeff and his family are on a camping trip. He comes down with a cold and being a whiner (we know ALL about 'man colds'!) the family leave him to his misery in the tent while they go off for the day. Then.... the ducks appear.
And they talk.
And they understand him.
And they play horseshoes.
And it seems that Jeff, the unwitting bystander is also going to play a part in determining the future happiness of a lovestruck couple...
"Wages Creek "is an audio book and while it can be enjoyed just on its own it is a TON of fun to listen to with all the voices, music and sound effects as you read along. And its pretty hilarious in places! My husband was supposed to be writing emails when I was playing the CD and my daughter and I caught him laughing along. So adults enjoy this book too which is a plus in everyone's book :)
5 Stars easy!
*many thanks to the author for a free book and CD given in exchange for review.
Anyone with pets (I love ducks and have 13 of them) will know the feeling where you start to attribute human-ness to them. You talk to them and they talk back. Yes, they do! Well in this story that is what happens. Sort of.
Jeff and his family are on a camping trip. He comes down with a cold and being a whiner (we know ALL about 'man colds'!) the family leave him to his misery in the tent while they go off for the day. Then.... the ducks appear.
And they talk.
And they understand him.
And they play horseshoes.
And it seems that Jeff, the unwitting bystander is also going to play a part in determining the future happiness of a lovestruck couple...
"Wages Creek "is an audio book and while it can be enjoyed just on its own it is a TON of fun to listen to with all the voices, music and sound effects as you read along. And its pretty hilarious in places! My husband was supposed to be writing emails when I was playing the CD and my daughter and I caught him laughing along. So adults enjoy this book too which is a plus in everyone's book :)
5 Stars easy!
*many thanks to the author for a free book and CD given in exchange for review.
July 12, 2014
Talk to the Animals!
This is a soft-bound, thirty-four page children’s book. The author writes this tale as a true account of an incident that occurred when his family went away together in 1994. Not only does Mr. Hickey state it was the best camping trip ever, he also had a most extraordinary thing happen: he could talk to three ducks, and they could talk to him!
As the story unfolds that the author wasn’t feeling well, so his family left him at the campground to recover. Later, the ducks wander into the camp. The author talks with them, and then plays a life-changing–for the ducks–game of horseshoes with the duck father. Afterwards, Mr. Hickey chalks the experience up to a product of his fever-induced mind. That is, until he is leaving, and evidence mounts that all of it really happened.
Mr. Hickey has a great imagination; it was very easy to get pulled into this story, and the world the author is describing. Along with the book, I received a CD which is a recording of the author reading the story. He does a marvelous job, doing all the voices of the different characters. I listened to it while reading the book–which the author suggests doing–and it was an enchanting experience! In addition, the author wrote the music on the CD, and his wife, Karen Kiser, did the book’s pastels and wood carvings.
I enjoyed this story, and believe grade school children in first-grade and up would like it, too. But I think listening to the CD while reading the book really makes the experience, so highly recommend doing that. I suggest you give this 5-star book and CD a try.
I’d like to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book and CD for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest review.
My Blog: http://bookreadingtic.com/2014/07/11/...
Author’s Website: http://jeffreyhickey.com/
Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BignBooatDerZoo
This is a soft-bound, thirty-four page children’s book. The author writes this tale as a true account of an incident that occurred when his family went away together in 1994. Not only does Mr. Hickey state it was the best camping trip ever, he also had a most extraordinary thing happen: he could talk to three ducks, and they could talk to him!
As the story unfolds that the author wasn’t feeling well, so his family left him at the campground to recover. Later, the ducks wander into the camp. The author talks with them, and then plays a life-changing–for the ducks–game of horseshoes with the duck father. Afterwards, Mr. Hickey chalks the experience up to a product of his fever-induced mind. That is, until he is leaving, and evidence mounts that all of it really happened.
Mr. Hickey has a great imagination; it was very easy to get pulled into this story, and the world the author is describing. Along with the book, I received a CD which is a recording of the author reading the story. He does a marvelous job, doing all the voices of the different characters. I listened to it while reading the book–which the author suggests doing–and it was an enchanting experience! In addition, the author wrote the music on the CD, and his wife, Karen Kiser, did the book’s pastels and wood carvings.
I enjoyed this story, and believe grade school children in first-grade and up would like it, too. But I think listening to the CD while reading the book really makes the experience, so highly recommend doing that. I suggest you give this 5-star book and CD a try.
I’d like to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book and CD for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest review.
My Blog: http://bookreadingtic.com/2014/07/11/...
Author’s Website: http://jeffreyhickey.com/
Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BignBooatDerZoo
March 14, 2015
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Jeffrey Hickey is sick, very sick. But he's not sick enough for his wife to pack up the family camping trip and head home. He is, however, sick enough to be miserable and grumpy, so his family leaves him alone to sleep in the tent. It's while he's alone at Wages Creek Campground that Jeffrey meets three ducks - three talking ducks: a father duck, a daughter duck and her fiance duck. The father doesn't like his daughter's fiance because he looks different. Jeffrey tries to point out to the father that one shouldn't discriminate because a person looks different. Jeffrey suggests a horseshoe toss to decide the young couple's fate. The father duck is much better at this game than Jeffrey, but in the end, he realizes that his daughter's happiness is more important than his prejudice. It's a happily-ever-after type of story with a new twist. Jeffrey recovers from his sickness; his wife gets sick and they decide to pack up the campground, only to discover that by leaving early they'll be missing a wedding - the daughter duck's wedding, of course.
It's unusual to have a children's story centered with an adult as the protagonist, but author Jeffrey Hickey and illustrator Karen Kiser have really brought this story together. The language is simple and the humor carries the plot along. It never hurts to allow young readers to see the comical nature of adults and to point out that adults need to learn just as much as children do. A good story with a lesson on the importance of accepting others as they are. Well done.
Jeffrey Hickey is sick, very sick. But he's not sick enough for his wife to pack up the family camping trip and head home. He is, however, sick enough to be miserable and grumpy, so his family leaves him alone to sleep in the tent. It's while he's alone at Wages Creek Campground that Jeffrey meets three ducks - three talking ducks: a father duck, a daughter duck and her fiance duck. The father doesn't like his daughter's fiance because he looks different. Jeffrey tries to point out to the father that one shouldn't discriminate because a person looks different. Jeffrey suggests a horseshoe toss to decide the young couple's fate. The father duck is much better at this game than Jeffrey, but in the end, he realizes that his daughter's happiness is more important than his prejudice. It's a happily-ever-after type of story with a new twist. Jeffrey recovers from his sickness; his wife gets sick and they decide to pack up the campground, only to discover that by leaving early they'll be missing a wedding - the daughter duck's wedding, of course.
It's unusual to have a children's story centered with an adult as the protagonist, but author Jeffrey Hickey and illustrator Karen Kiser have really brought this story together. The language is simple and the humor carries the plot along. It never hurts to allow young readers to see the comical nature of adults and to point out that adults need to learn just as much as children do. A good story with a lesson on the importance of accepting others as they are. Well done.
June 9, 2014
MY VIEW
First I'd like to say that listening to the audio by Dercum Audio is a must. It makes the reading so much more enjoyable. The author's characters have that certain something that makes you not forget them. They stick in your mind.
The author is probably more known through his adult books, THE COACH'S SON, SCARY, MAN and MOREHEAD.
This book was written first in 1997, the new book has an audio book in which Mr. Hickey is reading the story with lots of action, his own musical and sound effects. Wonderful combination. You can't go without the audio.
The story starts out with a camping trip in 1964 which is really a good trip for the Hickey family. Then the Dad comes down with a cold: The the fun began, he is told to stay in the tent and the kids and mom went out for some fun.
On Northern California's coast, Wages Creek is a campground with a clear, stream that ran into the Pacific Ocean. There were tall grass that were so soft and a large sandy beach. I couldn't believe that the descriptions of the surroundings and the people. So vivid.
Then we come to an encounter with three ducks who speak. They and Dad talk about the problems of the duck family. I found that the interaction between the ducks and Dad both humorous and serious at the same time.
The real truth about the ducks was a big Surprise when the family comes back.
I found the book to be well written with wonderful descriptions that were so real you thought you were right there camping with Dad, Mom and the kids. I don't believe anyone should read the book without the audio. I also think the book would not be the same with out the wonderful cover and the colorful artwork. It's a duo that you don't want to split up.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, not just children but adults too. Everybody has a bit of a child in them. This book is a keeper that need to be read and re-read and listened to at the same time. I just don't know what else to say but it's a wonderful read and audio.
I was given a complimentary copy of the audio and book, WAGES CREEK from the author, Jeffrey Hickey for my view. No other compensation took place.
First I'd like to say that listening to the audio by Dercum Audio is a must. It makes the reading so much more enjoyable. The author's characters have that certain something that makes you not forget them. They stick in your mind.
The author is probably more known through his adult books, THE COACH'S SON, SCARY, MAN and MOREHEAD.
This book was written first in 1997, the new book has an audio book in which Mr. Hickey is reading the story with lots of action, his own musical and sound effects. Wonderful combination. You can't go without the audio.
The story starts out with a camping trip in 1964 which is really a good trip for the Hickey family. Then the Dad comes down with a cold: The the fun began, he is told to stay in the tent and the kids and mom went out for some fun.
On Northern California's coast, Wages Creek is a campground with a clear, stream that ran into the Pacific Ocean. There were tall grass that were so soft and a large sandy beach. I couldn't believe that the descriptions of the surroundings and the people. So vivid.
Then we come to an encounter with three ducks who speak. They and Dad talk about the problems of the duck family. I found that the interaction between the ducks and Dad both humorous and serious at the same time.
The real truth about the ducks was a big Surprise when the family comes back.
I found the book to be well written with wonderful descriptions that were so real you thought you were right there camping with Dad, Mom and the kids. I don't believe anyone should read the book without the audio. I also think the book would not be the same with out the wonderful cover and the colorful artwork. It's a duo that you don't want to split up.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, not just children but adults too. Everybody has a bit of a child in them. This book is a keeper that need to be read and re-read and listened to at the same time. I just don't know what else to say but it's a wonderful read and audio.
I was given a complimentary copy of the audio and book, WAGES CREEK from the author, Jeffrey Hickey for my view. No other compensation took place.
May 14, 2014
About the Book:
Dercum Audio is pleased to invite you on a camping trip with the Hickey Family, where everything is going great until Dad catches a cold. That's when the real fun begins. The story takes place at Wages Creek, a magical place where the grasses are tall, the creek bubbles lullabies, and the local ducks are not like any ducks you've met before.
My Review:
It was along on a camping trip with the author and his family , that the author had caught a cold. he is a bit of a whiner, when it comes to getting sick. As a result of this family known fact, his family decides to leave for awhile to give him time to rest. While the family was away and Jeffrey, the author, remained miserable in his current situation, he soon learns that the ducks outside his tent can talk. Upon reading this, I'm thinking to myself, he is delusional because he has a cold. Soon you will discover that he was burning up with fever, so of course this is what caused the whole, "ducks talking" dream, or did it?
This book was a very sweet, adventurous children's book full of page turning action. The author takes us along on his little adventure with the ducks that day. And let me just say it was an adventure not to be missed that the whole family would enjoy and the audio isn't have bad either.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
Dercum Audio is pleased to invite you on a camping trip with the Hickey Family, where everything is going great until Dad catches a cold. That's when the real fun begins. The story takes place at Wages Creek, a magical place where the grasses are tall, the creek bubbles lullabies, and the local ducks are not like any ducks you've met before.
My Review:
It was along on a camping trip with the author and his family , that the author had caught a cold. he is a bit of a whiner, when it comes to getting sick. As a result of this family known fact, his family decides to leave for awhile to give him time to rest. While the family was away and Jeffrey, the author, remained miserable in his current situation, he soon learns that the ducks outside his tent can talk. Upon reading this, I'm thinking to myself, he is delusional because he has a cold. Soon you will discover that he was burning up with fever, so of course this is what caused the whole, "ducks talking" dream, or did it?
This book was a very sweet, adventurous children's book full of page turning action. The author takes us along on his little adventure with the ducks that day. And let me just say it was an adventure not to be missed that the whole family would enjoy and the audio isn't have bad either.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
June 23, 2014
Quack! I read a book called Wages Creek by an amazing author, Jeffrey Hickey. Wages creek is a beautiful place, but you can’t enjoy it when you’re sick. In this book Jeffrey Hickey is a character that goes on an adventure in his mind. This adventure includes ducks, horseshoes, and an unusual event!
Opinion: I love this book! The illustrations are well drawn and the story is thought through. It’s got all the right parts. I love how the author used himself as a character. I rate this book 5 star!
To learn more about this author, click HERE.
Renee: So, Winnie really liked this one. I gave her the book and she had it read before she even made it home. She was also given an audio book by the author. She listened to it and shared it with her younger siblings. They all enjoyed both the actual book and the audio book.
Disclaimer: This was a complimentary copy of the book given to me in exchange for an honest review.
You can purchase your own copy here.
Opinion: I love this book! The illustrations are well drawn and the story is thought through. It’s got all the right parts. I love how the author used himself as a character. I rate this book 5 star!
To learn more about this author, click HERE.
Renee: So, Winnie really liked this one. I gave her the book and she had it read before she even made it home. She was also given an audio book by the author. She listened to it and shared it with her younger siblings. They all enjoyed both the actual book and the audio book.
Disclaimer: This was a complimentary copy of the book given to me in exchange for an honest review.
You can purchase your own copy here.
July 24, 2016
I received this book as a Goodreads First-Reads contest winner.
My children (ages 8 and 10) really enjoyed this book. They listened to the audio book while reading along with the text. They have done this twice already. What a great book for kids!
My children (ages 8 and 10) really enjoyed this book. They listened to the audio book while reading along with the text. They have done this twice already. What a great book for kids!
August 3, 2016
Absolutely Charming. I wish it were part of a collection.
February 24, 2015
It is no secret that Jeffrey Hickey is a great storyteller. It should also come as no surprise that his talents are not limited to books geared toward adults. This very charming and often laugh-out-loud book is where Hickey shines. I say this because it comes with an audio version read by Hickey accompanied by music that he scored. To fully enjoy the experience of this book, you must listen to the audio while reading. Not to say that the book alone isn't worth the read because it is, but the audio vaults it to another level.
As Hickey's family leaves him behind in the campground with a bad cold, hilarity ensues with the arrival of three ducks. Able to understand and talk to the ducks, Hickey offends Gilbert, the patriarch of the group and an intense game of horseshoes begins. With a wager that he must win, this tale is both funny and heartwarming rolled into one.
Kudos must also be given to Hickey's wife Karen Kiser for her lovely illustrations.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
As Hickey's family leaves him behind in the campground with a bad cold, hilarity ensues with the arrival of three ducks. Able to understand and talk to the ducks, Hickey offends Gilbert, the patriarch of the group and an intense game of horseshoes begins. With a wager that he must win, this tale is both funny and heartwarming rolled into one.
Kudos must also be given to Hickey's wife Karen Kiser for her lovely illustrations.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews