One of Hawai'i's biggest events for children's books begins this week, with Children's Literature Hawai'i and the University of Hawai'i-Manoa holding their Fourteenth Biennial Conference on Children's Literature June 26-28.

This year's featured author is Ralph Fletcher, published in picture books ("Grandpa Never Lies," "The Circus Surprise"), poetry ("A Writing Kind of Day: Poems for Young Poets"), chapter books for older children ("Marshfield Dreams," "Spider Boy") and books on writing for children. Featured artist Barry Moser has illustrated or designed more than 300 books. Moser's work is on exhibition at the Honolulu Academy of Arts now through Aug. 4.

Opening festivities get under way at the UH Campus Center Ballroom at 7 p.m. Thursday with a dramatic adaptation of Fletcher and Moser's work by James McCarthy. Admission is free.

Sessions geared to parents, teachers, librarians, children, writers and illustrators run throughout Friday and Saturday.

Information: www.childrensliteraturehawaii.org.