SPECIAL EVENTS

Jeff Gere performs selections from his CD, "Silly 'n Spooky: Tales of Kids in Hawai'i," accompanied by pianist Les Adam, who plays on the CD, 4 p.m. today, Hawaii Public Radio's Atherton Performing Arts Studio; program is not recommended for preschoolers; $17.50 general, $15 HPR members, $10 students. Reservations: 955-8821.

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. This week, readings from the Hawai'i Book & Music Festival: Michael Little's "Obsession," Lisa Kanae's "Strawberry Scented," and an excerpt from Yamanaka's "Sand Island Drive-In Anthem." www.hawaiipublicradio.org/alohashorts.htm.

Talk Story Radio, weekly 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.

Meet Authors From Your Own Backyard, Michael Little, Lynn Raye Harris, Leslee Ellenson and Kate Godwin read selections of their works from the anthology, "Strong Currents II," 6 p.m. Wednesday, Kapolei Public Library; free. 693-7050.

Youth Speaks Hawaii Poetry Slam, open mike for poets, ages 13-19, 3:30-5 p.m. Saturday, The ARTS at Marks Garage; slam sign-up at 3 p.m.; free. 521-2903.

BOOK SIGNINGS

Jim Becker signs "Saints, Sinners and Shortstops," 2-3 p.m. today, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323. Also, noon-1 p.m. Friday, Bestsellers, Bishop Square (528-2378); noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Borders, Pearlridge (487-1818) and 2-3 p.m. Borders Express, Mililani Town Center (623-2138).

Jeff Gere performs selections from his audiobooks and signs "Haunted Hawai'i, Vols. 1 and 2," "Silly & Spooky" and "Rank Devil Mountain," noon Saturday, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

Ilima Loomis signs "Rough Riders: Hawai'i's Paniolo and Their Stories," 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323.

FOR WRITERS

Writers', Poets' and Playwrights' Group, share your work and discuss writing, 6 p.m. today, Borders, Ward Centre. 591-8995.

FOR KEIKI

Summer of Unfortunate Events, summer reading using the series of books by Lemony Snicket, 2 p.m. Sundays, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center; free; also, children receive a free book when they read eight books by any author and fill out a reading journal by Sept. 8. 949-7307.

Toddler Storytime, for ages 2 and 3, 10 a.m. Mondays through Aug. 21, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

Tiny Tales for Tiny Tots, stories, fingerplays, songs and a craft to take home, for 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.

Pre-School Storytime and Activities, stories, sing-alongs and playtime, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Waipahu Public Library. 675-0358.

Preschool Craft & Storytime, 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall (737-3323) and Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center (949-7307).

Read Me a Story, books read by volunteer storytellers, 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Keiki Reading Room in Gallery 31 (lower level of Banyan Court); for 12 and under and their parents; free for children, included with admission price of $7 for parents. 532-8700.

"Island-Kine Stories," storyteller Janice Terukina shares humorous folk tales, poetry and games, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Kahuku Public & School Library's children's reading program finale; free. 293-8935.

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

Storytime, for all ages, 10 a.m. Thursdays through Aug. 24; Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

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

Saturday Morning Storytime, 11 a.m. Saturdays, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 949-7307.

Wally "Famous" Amos Reads to Kids, featuring selections from his children's books as well as samples of fresh-baked cookies, 2-3 p.m. Saturday and July 29, Chip & Cookie store, 609 Kailua Road; free. 261-1811.

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.