Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks

When a monkey escapes from a traveling circus, Piggley and friends believe they’ve found an elusive “Irish gorilla”. They set out to trap him, and in the process create an adventure of a lifetime.

When Meg is going to watch a DVD rather than read the book it’s based on, Grandpa recalls the first time he ever got a book without pictures. As young Piggley reads the story, he imagines himself as the book’s hero, Finn McCoul.

Grandpa Piggley recounts the story of the time he, Dannan and Ferny got “lost at sea,” and were subsequently stranded on a remote island. With only their wits and ingenuity to aid them, the trio tend to their sea-sick chaperone, Finbarr Hornsby, and contend – Robinson Crusoe-like – with the hostile wilderness until Dad Winks can rescue them.

The Raloo Rockers want to go to Dublin to audition for Uncle Buck’s Variety Express. But first they’ll have to work hard – earning money for the trip and practicing hard so they’ll be ready to perform.

Captain Cumara is going to give Ferny a pet. But what kind? As Ferny, Piggley and Dannan wait for the captain to arrive, they imagine the impossible exotic animals that could be Ferny’s new pet.

Piggley wants a new snow sled for his birthday but his father can’t afford it. Piggley learns that sometimes the best gifts are those from the heart.

Grandpa Piggley recounts the story of the time he, Dannan and Ferny all built miniature ships and entered the Raloo River Race. Unfortunately, Don Toro lets his enthusiasm get the better of him and he does most of the work building Ferny’s entry. The ship is fantastic, but Ferny feels like he didn’t contribute enough. In the end, Ferny overcomes his fear of hurting his papa’s feelings, and by speaking up asserts his right to build his own boat.

After Dannan saves Hector from a mild mishap, a grateful, but ever-so-obnoxious Hector won’t leave her alone, no matter what she says.

Dannan is thrilled when the children are invited to a big party hosted by Mr. McGandry for his cousin, the Ambassador to Denmark, but Piggley’s lack of social graces almost ruins the day.

When Piggley’s substitute teacher assigns them to write a two page true story – he doesn’t take it seriously. After all, storytelling comes easy to him so he can do the work the last minute. But when the substitute teacher turns out to be an inspiration to the class, Piggley learns to value his storytelling gift and to work harder at it.

Grown-up Aunt Molly sends Meg drawings she did as a 5-year old. These drawings give a different slant to some of Grandpa Piggley’s stories; and reveal the strong influence Piggley had on his younger sister.