Books with author Jacqueline Laks

Inspired by the legendary Hawai`ian snow goddess Poli`ahu, the fiery volcano goddess Pele, and the breadfruits, `ulu, that have always played a key role in Polynesian daily living, this is a story of friendship, compassion, and an uncommon display of appreciation for the power that renews and creates the land, sustaining life for generations.Poli`ahu and Pele, celebrated archrivals over hundreds of years, have become best friends and work harmoniously to protect and bring prosperity to their beloved people of Hawai`i. This spectacular story was born from a pleasant afternoons dream while visiting the Huallai region of the Big Island, Hawai`i. It is beautifully illustrated in full color to enhance the readers imagination.An audio book version of this story is created specifically to complement the printed book and promote the Hawaiian tradition of storytelling. Wonderfully narrated by Teri Manawale`a Corpuz, the audio book reminds us of those breezy summer evenings under the starry night sky, when we gathered at the knees of our mothers and grandmothers to hear mystical stories of a far away land.

Piper didn't want to use the time machine she and her best friend Albie made to go back and see how the Egyptian pyramids where made. She wants to go to the beach like any normal person. And she certainly didn't want her sister Izzie or Albie's dumb brother Carlos to go with them, but of course, they did. Now, the four kids are marching around Egypt, a place with zero pyramids by the way, hoping to do a little harmless exploring because going home. That's their plan anyway. Egypt has a different plan in mind.

Millie is a schoolgirl detective. She has recently started at secondary school, though her brother Dave and his friend Joe are still in the juniors. She enjoys a good mystery and likes to solve other people's problems, skilfully watching, waiting and listening until the mist clears and she can work out the solution. Boris, the family dog, is usually around, too. He loves his biscuits, but also sometimes enjoys getting involved with Millie's detective work. In this first book, Dave has been bullied out of his brand new trainers and is scared to tell anyone until Millie persuades him to explain. Through a chance find, Joe hatches a clever plan to replace Dave's trainers and teach the bully a lesson at the same time. But it all goes wrong when there's a theft and the police become involved. Can Millie find out the truth, sort out the bullying, and get Dave out of trouble?