SPECIAL EVENTS

Let Reading Take You Over the Hedge!, keiki reading incentive program sponsored by Hawai'i public libraries and DreamWorks Animation, in conjunction with the May 19 release of the movie "Over the Hedge," to encourage children to read a minimum of three books from May 1 to 26 for possible prizes and give-aways. Call your local library for details.

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.hawaii publicradio.org/alohashorts.htm.

Talk Story Radio, weekly radio show, hosted by Jeff Gere, 5:30 p.m. Mondays on Hawaii Public Radio station KIPO 89.3 FM, 7 p.m. Thursdays on KTUH 90.3 FM. www.talkstoryradio.com.

"Let's Talk About Karen Hesse," discussion of Hesse's Newbery Award-winning book, "Out of the Dust," 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Kahuku Public and School Library; free. 293-8935.

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, 45:30 p.m. Wednesdays, The ARTS at Marks Garage; free. 387-9664.

Bookfair to benefit 'Ohi'a Productions, ask for a voucher when you purchase a book and a portion of the proceeds will go to the non-profit production company, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and May 7, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 949-7307.

"Tales of Old Hawai'i," Honolulu Theatre for Youth presents storytelling and drama for toddlers and young children, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday and May 13, Tenney Theatre at St. Andrew's Cathedral; $16 general, $8 ages 3-18 and seniors, children under 2 free. 839-9885. Also, performed at Kaua'i libraries Wednesday-Friday this week. Call your local library for times.

BOOK SIGNINGS

Tricia Allen signs "Tattoo Traditions of Hawai'i," noon today, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995. Also, 3 p.m. today, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323.

Linda Andrade Wheeler signs "Aloha, the Spirit Within," noon-1 p.m. today, Native Books /Na Mea Hawai'i, Ward Warehouse. 596-8885.

Mellie Enos demonstrates her ribbon lei making techniques and signs "The Guide to Making Ribbon Lei," noon-1 p.m. today, Navy Exchange, Mall at Pearl Harbor. 423-3330.

Sue Cowing signs her children's poetry book "My Dog Has Flies," noon today, Borders, Pearlridge. 487-1818. Also, 2 p.m. at Borders, Waikele. 676-6699.

Betty Shimabukuro signs "The Search for Hawai'i's Best Recipes," 2 p.m. today, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

Naea Chun discusses and signs his Ka Wana series of books on the philosophy and life of Native Hawaiian culture, 2-4 p.m. today, Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i, Ward Warehouse. 596-8885.

Wayne Fujita, author of "$100,000 Scholarship: Middle School Prep," gives a presentation for parents and students on planning for college beginning in middle school, and signs his book, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Kailua Intermediate School. Reservation: 263-1500, ext. 241.

Joan Namkoong signs "Food Lover's Guide to Honolulu," 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Bestsellers, Bishop Square. 528-2378. Also, 7-8 p.m. Friday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall (737-3323); 7:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Kapi'olani Community College Farmers' Market; 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Borders Express, Kahala Mall (737-9550) and 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

Judi Riley signs "When I'm Quiet on O'ahu" and "When I'm Quiet on Maui," noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i, Ward Warehouse. 596-8885.

Lisa Matsumoto and Michael Furuya sign their children's books, 2 p.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 949-7307.

FOR WRITERS

Honolulu Chapter of the National Writers Association, monthly meeting, with guest speaker Charles Memminger, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 845-9585.

Aloha Performing Arts Company (Big Island) requests scripts for the Aug. 16-20 Original Play Festival. Selected plays will be mounted as stage readings with minimal rehearsal and simple technical presentation. For requirements: (808) 322-9924. Postmark deadline is May 27.

FOR KEIKI

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) and Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center (949-7307).

Preschool Storytime, for ages 2 1/2 and older, 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Pearl City Public Library. 453-6566.

Storytime, for ages 3-5, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Wahiawa Public Library. 622-6345.

Keiki Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

Puzzletimes, stories and board puzzles for toddlers, 9:30 a.m. Thursdays, Pearl City Public Library. 453-6566.

Play Mornings, independent playtime, for ages 2 and over, with educational games, 10 a.m. Thursdays, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

Saturday Storytime, 11 a.m. Saturdays, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323

Saturday Morning Storytime, with Lisa Matsumoto and Michael Furuya reading from "How the B-52 Cockroach Learned to Fly," 11 a.m. Saturdays, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 949-7307.

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.