SPECIAL EVENTS

National Children's Book Week Celebration, with storytelling, book signings and hints for adults on reading to kids, 12-3 p.m. today, Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall; free. 377-5651.

"Tennessee Williams: His Life in His Work," a special lecture by visiting scholar Felicia Hardison Londre, 12:30 p.m. today, Hamilton Library, Yap Conference Room, UH-Manoa; free. 956-9932.

"A Field Guide to the Wild Life of Suburban O'ahu" will be read by author Joseph Stanton, 7:30 p.m. today, UH Manoa Art Building, Room 101; free. 956-4050.

"Storytelling: Defining Characters," a lecture by Kevin Johnson about the overview of story and character development with scenes from the 3D animation "Sheepish," 7:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, Kapi'olani Community College, Room 'Ohia 118; free. 734-9382.

Fall Common Book Project, community reading and discussion of Thomas L. Friedman's "The World is Flat," and Barbara Ehrenreich's "Nickel and Dimed." Windward residents are encouraged to read the books and attend the lectures, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Windward Community College's Hale Akoakoa, Room 103; free. This week, "Social Science Panel Discussion," with WCC faculty Paul Briggs, Pam DaGrossa, Kathleen French and Erik Gardner.

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.

Storytelling Festival 2006 features performances by well-known names on the storytelling circuit and workshops during the day. Workshops, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, meeting rooms; $10. Performance, 7:30 p.m. McCoy Studio Theater, MACC; $20. (808) 242-7469.

Holiday Book Drive invites customers to purchase books for donation; Barnes & Noble will distribute the donated books to children through nonprofit organizations, through Jan. 1, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana Center. 944-3135.

BOOK SIGNINGS

Edna Cabcabin Moran signs "The Sleeping Giant: A Tale from Kaua'i," noon-1 p.m. today, Borders, Pearlridge; and 2-3 p.m., Barnes & Noble, Kahala. 487-1818.

Greg Kaufman signs "Discovering Humpback Whales of Hawai'i: 125 Fun Facts About Humpbacks," noon-1 p.m. today, Borders, Kahului. (808) 877-6160.

Mellie Enos signs "The Guide to Making Ribbon Lei," noon-1 p.m. today, Ben Franklin, Pearl City. 455-1909.

Dean Okimoto signs "The Hawai'i Farmers Market Cookbook," noon-1 p.m. today, Borders, Waikele. 676-6699.

Tammy Paikai and Rosalie Prussing sign "Aloha Is," noon-1 p.m. today, Borders Express, Mililani; and 2-3 p.m., Borders, Pearlridge; 623-2138.

Belinda Leigh signs "See Under the Sea," 2-3 p.m. today, Borders Express, Lahaina Cannery. (808) 667-6172.

Charles Memminger signs "Hey Waiter, There's An Umbrella In My Drink!," 12:30-1:30 p.m. Monday, Bestsellers, Bishop Square (528-2378); and noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Book Ends, Kailua (261-1996).

Don Robinson signs "G is for Gecko," noon Saturday, Borders, Ward. 591-8995.

Laurie Ide signs "Okazu at the Zoo," noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Borders, Pearlridge. 487-1818.

Tammy Paikai and Rosalie Prussing sign "Aloha Is," 12-1 p.m. Saturday, Borders, Waikele (676-6699); and 2-3 p.m., Borders, Ward.

Julie Wanner Rossetti signs "Diabetes Can Be Sweet ... Once You Bury It," noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Borders Express, Mililani. 623-2138.

Jean Watanabe Hee signs "Hawai'i's Best Salads, Sides & Soups," 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Borders, Hilo. (808)-933-1410.

Gaye Chan signs "Waikiki: A History of Forgetting & Remembering," 2 p.m. Saturday, Borders, Waikele. 676-6699.

Kim Taylor Reece signs "The Eternal Dance," 2 p.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana. 949-7307.

FOR WRITERS

Honolulu Filipino Chamber of Commerce seeks essays from students in grades K-12 on the theme "The Sakada Legacy: Footprints of the Future." Three winners will receive gifts and prize money, and their essays will be published in the chamber's publication. For details and entry form: www.filipinojaycees.com/centennialcontest. Deadline is Nov. 24.

Hawai'i Pacific University seeks entries for the James M. Vaughan Poetry Awards, with a $500 cash prize and publication in the Hawai'i Pacific Review. Send three unpublished poems, no longer than 100 lines each, with a short personal biography and your name, address, phone and e-mail address to: James M. Vaughan Award for Poetry, 1060 Bishop St., Suite 7, Honolulu, HI 96813. Additional information: 544-1108. Postmark deadline is Dec. 15.

2006 Kumu Kahua Theatre/UHM Theatre Department Playwriting Contest, prizes in three categories: plays set in Hawai'i or that reflect the Hawaiian experience by residents or nonresidents; plays set in or dealing with Pacific islands, Pacific Rim or Pacific/Asian American experience by residents or nonresidents; and plays on any topic written by Hawai'i residents. Complete information: 536-4222, www.kumukahua.org. Entry deadline is Jan. 2.

FOR KEIKI

Preschool Storytime, stories, finger plays, sing-alongs, crafts, 10 a.m. Mondays, Kea'au Public & School Library. (808) 982-4281.

Toddler Storytime, for ages 2-3, 10 a.m. Mondays, 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.

Pre-School Storytime and Activities Program, stories, sing-alongs and playtime activities, for ages 3-5, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Waipahu Public Library. 675-0358.

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.

Preschool Storytime, stories, sing alongs and crafts, 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays,Pearl City Public Library. 453-6566.

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

Preschool Storytime, stories, finger plays, sing-alongs, crafts, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Liliha Public Library. 587-7577.

Preschool Storytime, stories, finger plays, sing-alongs, crafts, 10 a.m. Thursdays, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

Preschool Storytime, stories, finger plays, sing-alongs, crafts, 10 a.m. Saturdays, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

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.