See a comprehensive list of literary-related events at www.honolulu advertiser.com/islandlife.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales, 2006 five-week summer reading program with books featuring animals, for preschool through sixth grade, and adults reading to children up to Grade 2, during June and July; free. Contact your library to learn more.

Creature Features, 2006 summer reading program for teens with books about creatures — real and unreal — for grades 7-12 and 2006 high school graduates, during June and July; free. Contact your local library for information on the program and prizes. Also, Wordstew poetry slam champion, Kealoa, performs for young adults, 3 p.m. today, Kaimuki Public Library; free. 733-8422.

"Aloha Shorts," weekly radio show, with readings of short stories from local authors, 5 p.m. Mondays, on Hawaii Public Radio, KIPO 89.3, with host Cedric Yamanaka. This week, Bill Teter reads "The Guy Already on the Plane" and Lisa Kanae reads "Hoku Bright's Whole World." www.hawaii publicradio.org/aloha shorts.htm.

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

Adult Literacy Program Orientation, learn how to become a volunteer tutor, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. Register: 537-6706.

Library Book Sale, three-day annual sale with bargain prices on books, videos, DVDs and music, 11 a.m.5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, 'Aina Haina Public Library; free admission, benefits the library. 377-2456.

"Let's Talk About Karen Hesse," discussion led by Mark Lawhorn of Hesse's Newbery Award-winning book, "Out of the Dust," 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mililani Public Library; free. 627-7470.

Imagining Other Lives, Other Times, Other Places, 13th biennial Children's Literature Conference, three-day conference on interpreting, using and creating literature, for anyone interested in children's literature; guest speakers Karen Hesse and Jerry Pinkney, June 15-17, UH-Manoa Campus Center; most events free. 956-7559, www.english.hawaii.edu /CLH/2006.html.

Send announcements, with contact name and phone number, to: Lit Beat, Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com, with "Lit Beat" in the subject line; or fax 525-8055.