SPECIAL EVENTS

Star Poets Celebration, variety of mini-workshops on poetry from local poets and teachers including Sue Cowing, Richard Hamasaki, Susan Lee St. John, Kate Godwin and Joe Tsuhimoto, 1-2 p.m. today, followed by an awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m. to honor the winners of the 7th annual Star Poets contest, Windward Community College's Paliku Theatre, Kane'ohe; free. 235-7396.

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 FM 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. www.talkstoryradio.com.

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.

"Let Reading Take You Over the Hedge!" keiki reading incentive program sponsored by Hawai'i Public Libraries and DreamWorks Animation, in conjunction with the release of the movie "Over the Hedge" to encourage children to read a minimum of three books before Friday for possible prizes and onsite give-aways. Call your local library for details.

BOOK SIGNINGS

Mellie Enos demonstrates her ribbon-lei techniques and signs "The Guide to Making Ribbon Lei," 11 a.m.-noon today, Craft Supply of Honolulu. 942-5044.

Judy Dela Cruz signs "Crochet Lei Making 2," noon-1 p.m. today, Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i, Ward Warehouse. 596-8885.

Caroline Paul signs "East Wind, Rain," 2 p.m. today, Borders, Lihu'e, Kaua'i. (808) 246-0862.

Coryn Tanaka and May Masaki sign "Making Ribbon Leis 1 and 2" and "Making Eyelash Crochet Leis 1, 2 and 3," noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Craft Supply of Honolulu. 942-5044.

Toby Swanson signs "Mixed Plate & Noodles," noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Bellows Exchange, Waimanalo.

FOR WRITERS

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

"Helpful Advice for Writers from James A. Michener," talk by J.S. Christensen on Michener's method of creating popular books, 7 p.m. Thursday, Liliha Public Library; free. 587-7577.

Aloha Performing Arts Company (Big Island) requests scripts for the Aug. 16-20 Original Play Festival. Selected plays will be mounted as stage readings with minimal rehearsal and simple technical presentation. For complete requirements: (808) 322-9924. Postmark deadline is Saturday.

Children's Picture Book Writers and Illustrators Workshop led by James Rumford and sponsored by The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Oct. 20 and 21, Academy Art Center at Linekona; $160 society members, nonmembers $175. Registration deposit deadline is May 31. 373-9522.

FOR KEIKI

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

Preschool Storytime, for ages 2 1/2 and older, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Pearl City Public Library. 453-6566.

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

Puzzletimes, stories and board puzzles for toddlers, 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Pearl City Public Library. 453-6566.

Play Mornings, independent playtime, for ages 2 and over, with educational games, 10 a.m. Thursdays, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

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

Saturday Morning Storytime, with an appearance of Biscuit the Dog, 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.