SPECIAL EVENTS

All Books for Children, book drive to collect new and gently used childrens books to support local literacy programs, through Aug. 31, Starbucks Coffee stores on all islands (except Barnes & Noble, airport and University of Hawai'i locations).

Book Sale, pocketbooks three for 50 cents, plus other items at discounted prices offered by the Friends of Pearl City Library, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today, Pearl City Public Library; free admission. 453-6566.

Aloha Shorts, weekly 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, Jamie Simpson reads Mary Lombard's "Snow Child." 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. This week, tales about flatulence including "A Whoopie Cushion Tale" and "Secret Weapon." www.talkstoryradio.com.

"Stories in the Circle of Life," Karen Yamamoto-Hackler share tales from around the world for children of all ages, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Kapolei Public Library; free. 693-7050.

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.

Children's Book Club forming, students in grades 4-6 are invited to join the Nene Reading Club, which will focus on reading, discussing and voting on the nominated books for the 2007 awards. Informational meeting, 3 p.m. Thursday, Kahului Public Library, Maui. (808) 873-3097.

BOOK SIGNINGS

Alan S.F. Lum discusses feng shui and the five energies of Chinese astrology, and signs copies of his books, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Mililani Public Library. 627-7470.

Christine Yano signs "Crowning the Nice Girl," 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323.

Jane Porter signs "Flirting with Forty," 3 p.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 949-7307.

FOR WRITERS

"Living the Writer's Life," two-day hands-on retreat with author Cristina Salat, with workshops on dealing with discouragement and success, improving writing technique and selling and promoting your completed work, 5 p.m. Friday through 3 p.m. Aug. 27, Volcano Art Center, Big Island; $250 for workshop and meals, $380 includes two nights accommodations. (808) 967-8222, www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Writing Retreat, led by Lillian Cunningham, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Windward Community College Hale Na'auao 146; $5. 235-7433.

Publishing Workshop, Jane Porter shares her experiences in getting published, 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center; free. 949-7307.

FOR KEIKI

Toddler Storytime, for ages 2 and 3, 10 a.m. tomorrow, 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.

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 younger and their parents; free for children, included with admission price of $7 for parents. 532-8700.

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

Storytimes, for all ages, 10 a.m. Thursday, 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.

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.