SPECIAL EVENTS

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

Book Sale, most paperbacks for 50 cents and most hardcover books for $1, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Monday, Waimanalo Public Library; free admission, proceeds benefit the library and its programs. 259-2610.

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, 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, stories about "weird kids." www.talkstoryradio.com.

Juliet S. Kono, talk by the author, winner of the Hawai'i Award for Literature 2005 and the Cades Award for 2006, on Japanese-Americans in Hawai'i who have been the focus of her work, noon Tuesday, Hawai'i State Art Museum's multipurpose room; free. 586-9958.

Re: verses, host-featured poets with an open mike time and jazz by DJ Mr. Nick, 8-10 p.m. Tuesday, The ARTS at Marks Garage; $5. 521-2903.

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.

"The Power and the Beauty," Reina Whaitiri, author of "Whale Rider," talks about Maori literature today, 3-4:40 p.m. Thursday, UH-Manoa Kuykendall 410; free. 956-3774.

BOOK SIGNINGS

Mark Panek signs "Gaijin Yokozuna: A Biography of Chad Rowan," 1 p.m. today, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 949-7307.

Rick Carroll signs "IZ: Voice of the People," noon today, Borders Express, Pearlridge. 488-9488. Also, 2 p.m. today, Borders, Ward Centre, 591-8995; 3 p.m. Monday, Costco, Kahului, Maui (808) 877-5248; 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Borders, Maui Marketplace, Kahului, Maui, (808) 877-6160; 2 p.m. Wednesday, Costco, Kona, Big Island, (808) 331-4800; 4 p.m. Wednesday, Borders, Kona, Big Island, (808) 331-1668; 7 p.m. Thursday, Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i, Ward Warehouse, 596-8885; 4 p.m. Friday, Don Quijote, Kaheka St. (formerly Daiei), 973-4800; 1 p.m. Saturday, Costco, Iwilei, 526-6100.

William Miller discusses and signs "The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul," 7 p.m. Wednesday, St. Clement's Episcopal Church. 955-7745.

Patricia Laurel signs "Only If You Can Find Me," 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. 737-3323.

FOR WRITERS

Writing Retreat, meet other writers and share non-critical responses to your work, led by Lillian Cunningham, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Windward Community College, Hale Na'auao 146; $5. 235-7433.

O'ahu Arts Center seeks entries in fiction, nonfiction and poetry for its third annual writing contest for cash awards. One entry per category, $10 per entry. Prospectus: www.oahuartscenter.org, 848-7632. Deadline is Nov. 10.

FOR KEIKI

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, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Waipahu Public Library; free. 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.

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

Pre-School Storytime, stories read aloud, sing-along songs and a simple craft, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 25, Wahiawa Public Library. 622-6345.

Play Mornings, educational toys for children to explore, 10 a.m. Thursdays through Sept. 28, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

Kindermusik Musical Storytime, presentation by Karen Miyamoto with stories and background music plus activities including instrument play along and movement, 10:30 a.m. Friday, Salt Lake-Moanalua Public Library; free. 831-6831.

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.