SPECIAL EVENTS

Holiday Book Drive, bring new children's books to Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center, through Jan. 1 for distribution to the children's literacy program, Read to Me International. 949-7307.

Aloha Shorts, weekly radio show with readings of short stories from local authors, 5 p.m. Mondays, on Hawaii Public Radio station KIPO 89.3 with host Cedric Yamanaka. www.hawaiipublicradio.org/aloha shorts.htm.

Talk Story Radio, weekly radio show with local storytellers telling local stories, 5:30 p.m. Mondays, on Hawaii Public Radio station KIPO 89.3 with host Jeff Gere. This week, stories from Jim Lewis, Kathy "Tita" Collins and Bruce Cockburn with Hawaiian Christmas theme. www.talkstoryradio.com.

Re: Verses, Allison Francis, Selah and Travis T. present The Winter Solstice and team slam, with an open-mike session and jazz, 8-10 p.m. Tuesday (doors open 7 p.m.), The ARTS at Marks Garage; $5. 521-2903.

Poetry Slam Workshop for Teens, ongoing Youth Speaks Hawai'i workshops in written and spoken word for students ages 13-19, working with members of the HawaiiSlam team, 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, The ARTS at Marks Garage; free. 387-9664.

BOOK SIGNINGS

Laurie Ide signs "Seahorse Treasures," noon-1 p.m. today, Sam's Club, Ke'eaumoku. 945-9841.

Julie Wanner Rossetti signs "Diabetes Can Be Sweet...Once You Bury It," noon-1 p.m. today, Borders, Pearlridge. 487-1818. Also, 2-4 p.m. Borders Express, Mililani Town Center, 623-2138.

Bella Finau-Faumuina and Delia Parker-Ulima sign their book, "Island Memories," noon-1 p.m. today, Sam's Club, Pearl City. 456-7788.

Rich Budnick signs his book, "Hawai'i's Forgotten History 1900-1999," 1 p.m. today, Sam's Club, Pearl City. 456-7788.

Jessica Rich signs "A Rich Thought for the Day," 1:30-2:30 p.m. today, Navy Exchange, Mall at Pearl Harbor. 423-3344.

Georja Skinner signs "The Christmas House," and is joined by her sister Teresa, who will play carols on violin, 2-3 p.m. today, Borders, Waikele. 676-6699.

J. Arthur Rath signs "Lost Generations," 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Bestsellers, Bishop Square. 528-2378.

FOR WRITERS

The Hawai'i Review, the University of Hawai'i student-run literary and fine arts journal, calls for submissions of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction from current graduate and undergraduate students for the Spring 2006 issue. Guidelines: 956-3030, hireview@hawaii.edu. Deadline is Dec. 31.

The Hawai'i Literary Arts Council is accepting nominations for the 2005 Cades Awards for Literature for cash prizes in two categories: first, an established author with a large body of work relating to Hawai'i and second, a new artist with substantial potential for achievement. Nominees can be poets, playwrights, novelists, essayists or other literary artist. Send nomination with supporting materials to Hawai'i Literary Arts Council, P.O. Box 11213, Honolulu, HI 96828. Deadline for nominations is Feb. 15.

FOR KEIKI

Toddler Storytime, for ages 2-3, 10 a.m. Mondays, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

Tiny Tales for Tiny Tots, stories, fingerplays, songs and a craft to take home, for keiki 4 and younger, 9-9:45 a.m. and 10:30-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Kalihi-Palama Public Library. 832-3466.

Keiki Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. Saturdays, Borders, Waikele. 676-6699.

Preschool Craft & Storytime, 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323.

Preschool Storytime, for ages 3-4, 10 a.m. Thursdays, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

Saturday Storytimes, 10 a.m. Saturdays, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

Keiki Storytime, 11 a.m. Saturdays, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

Send announcements, with contact name and phone number, to Lit Beat, Island Life, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com, with "Lit Beat" in the subject line; or fax 525-8055.