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, "Christmas Prayer" and "Hans and the Pipe" by Gere, "Salt Lake Santa" from Brenda Kwon and "Baker's Dozen" by Jim Lewis. www.talkstory radio.com.

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

Allan Seiden signs "Hawaiian Monarchy," 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 'Iolani Palace during the celebration of King David Kalakaua's birthday. 532-1050.

Tokie Ching signs "A Hawai'i Japanese New Year," 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323.

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 under-graduate students for the Spring 2006 issue. Guidelines: 956-3030, hireview@hawaii.edu. Deadline is Saturday.

28th annual International Haiku Contest, entries accepted in three categories: Season Word, Hawai'i Word and Humorous, sponsored by The Hawaii Education Association; $1 per entry for non-HEA members. For complete rules and entry requirements, send a SASE to HEA International Haiku Contest, 1649 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826. Cash prizes awarded in each category. Deadline is Jan. 15.

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 crafts, 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.