SPECIAL EVENTS

Haiku Pidgin Poetry Reading for the whole family by poet Jozuf "bradajo" Hadley 2 p.m. today, Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus, Big Island; free, park entrance fees apply. (808) 967-8222.

Children's Book Week celebration featuring the play "The Mask Messenger," at the following public libraries: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mililani; 3 p.m. Thursday, Kaimuki; 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Liliha, 831-6877; also, storyteller, James McCarthy, 3 p.m. Friday, Hawaii State Library. 831-6877.

Brown Bag Biography: "Life Writing and War," part of the Vietnam War in Film and Literature Conference, noon-1:15 p.m. Thursday, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Henke Hall 325, conducted by Daniel Kelin, director, drama education, Honolulu Theatre For Youth; free. 956-3774.

Friends of Hawaii Kai Library Book Sale 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 19, Hawaii Kai Public Library meeting room, 249 Lunalio Home Road; used books, CDs and videos at bargain prices; proceeds to fund library operations. 397-5833.

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/alohashorts.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. www.talkstoryradio .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

Mellie Enos to sign "The Guide to Making Ribbon Lei," 10:30-11:30 a.m. today, Native Books - Na Mea Hawaii, Ward Warehouse, 596-8885; also 2-3 p.m., Ben Franklin Crafts, Mapunapuna. 833-3800.

Leonard J. Villanueva to sign "The Hungry Pua'a and the Sweet Sweet Potato," noon today, Borders Ward Centre. 591-8995.

Leslie Ann Hayashi and illustrator, Kathleen Wong Bishop to sign "Fables Beneath the Rainbow," 2 p.m. today, Borders Ward Centre, 591-8995; 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Bestsellers, Bishop Square. 528-2378.

Adam Palmer to sign "North Shore" noon-1 p.m. today. Borders Waikele. 676-6699.

Margaret Steele to sign "Wuz Da Nite Befo'," noon-1 p.m. today, Borders Pearlridge. 487-1818.

Leonard J. Villanueva to sign "The Hungry Pua'a and the Sweet Sweet Potato, noon today, Borders Ward Centre. 591-8995.

Gary Pak and S. Shankar to read from and sign "Language of the Geckoes and Other Stories," and "No End to the Journey," 3 p.m. today, Revolution Books. 944-3106.

Makana Risser Chai to sign "Na Mo'olelo Lomilomi: The Traditions of Hawaiian Massage & Healing," 6-8 p.m. Friday, Native Books - Na Mea Hawaii, Ward Warehouse. 596-8885

R. Kikuo Johnson to sign "Night Fisher," 7 p.m. Friday, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 944-3135.

FOR WRITERS

Poetry Workshop, write and read your poetry in a supportive environment, five sessions by poet, Kimberly Dark, 6-8:30 p.m. on consecutive Tuesdays, Nov. 15Dec. 13, at Volcano Art Center, Big Island; $95 fee, financial aid available. (808) 967-8222.

Second annual Writing Contest, O'ahu Arts Center seeks submissions in fiction, nonfiction and poetry from Hawai'i residents; $10 fee per entry (one entry per category). Prospectus available at ez@hawaii.rr.com or 627-1079. Deadline is Tuesday.

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

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 years, 10 a.m. Thursdays, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

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

Keiki Storytime, 2 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. Saturdays, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

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