SPECIAL EVENTS

Book Sale, pocketbooks 3 for 50 cents and other items at low prices, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today, Pearl City Public Library; sponsored by the Friends of Pearl City Library; free. 453-6566.

"The Essence of Story for Storyboard Artists, Animators and Storytellers," a lecture on the internal structure of character, story and plot by Karl Gnass, 7-9 p.m. today. Kapi'olani Community College, Ohia 118; free. 734-9382.

Youth Speaks Hawai'i, free slam poetry workshops, hosted by Kealoha, TravisT, Melvin, Darron, and Lyz, 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, The ARTS at Marks Garage. 387-9664.

Center for Japanese Studies Seminar Series, featuring "Long Nights Alone: A Tale of Romance in the Ancient Imperial Court in Kyoto," by Fumiko Mori Halloran, 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, University of Hawai'i Manoa, Tokioka Room (Moore 319); free. www.hawaii.edu/cjs/seminarseries.html.

Annual Book Sale, with books at bargain prices, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, repeats Saturday, Wai'anae Public Library; sponsored by the Friends of Wai'anae Library; free. 697-7868.

BOOK SIGNINGS

Halifu Osumare signs "The Africanist Aesthetic in Global Hip-Hop," 12 p.m. Saturday, Borders Ward Centre. 591-8995.

FOR WRITERS

"Write that Children's Book!," make your characters come to life, overcome fear of editors' rejection, enjoy other writers, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, 1802 Ke'eaumoku St; $39. 754-3653.

Enlightened Revision: A Workshop for Writers, with Tom Peek, 9:a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Volcano Art Center; $60. (808) 967-8222.

Writing Retreat, meet and write in company with other beginning and experienced writers, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday Windward Community College, Hala Naauao 146; $5. Bring writing materials and sack lunch. 235-7433.

"Getting Started and Keeping Going," a writing workshop with Y York, presented by O'ahu Arts Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Uluwehi Farm; suggested donation $10. 627-1079.

Aloha Performing Arts Company seeks scripts of any length and on any subject for the Aug. 15-18 Original Play Festival. Plays chosen for the festival will be mounted as staged readings, with minimal rehearsal and simple technical presentation. Submit three copies of typewritten plays without author name (include a seperate cover sheet with author's name and contact information) to: APAC OPF XIV, P.O. Box 794, Kealakekua, HI 96750. Additional requirements: (808) 322-9924. Postmark deadline is May 21.

FOR KEIKI

Toddler Storytime, stories, fingerplays, song for ages 2-3, 10 a.m. Mondays through April 23, 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.

"The Sense-Sational Show," a new Honolulu Theatre for Youth production, a fun, comedic adventure complete with puppetry and music for preschool-age children, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Hawai'i Kai Public Library. repeats Wednesday, 9 a.m. Hanapepe Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Princeville Public Library and Friday 9:30 a.m. Lihue Public Library. www.librarieshawaii.org.

"Rainbow Pigeons with Doug Beter," a lecture-demonstration about his unique and colorful racing pigeons, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Waipahu Public Library. 675-0358.

Pre-School Storytime, read-aloud stories, sing-along songs and playtime activities for ages 3-5, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays through April 17, Waipahu Public Library's C.O. Andy Anderson Room. 675-0358.

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 (737-3323); and Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana (949-7307).

Preschool Craft & Storytime, 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana. 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 younger and their parents; free for children, included with admission price of $7 for parents. 532-8700.

Preschool Storytime, read-aloud stories, sing-along songs and playtime activities for ages 3-5, 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays through May 23, Pearl City Public Library. 453-6566.

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

Pre-School Storytime, read aloud stories, sing-along songs and a simple craft for ages 3-5, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays through April 25, Wahiawa Public Library. 622-6345.

Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays through April 28, Kapolei Public Library. 693-7050.

Storytime and Activities, stories read aloud, sing-alongs and a craft, 10 a.m. Saturdays through May 26, Waialua Public Library; free. 637-8286.

Saturday Storytime, 11 a.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, Kahala (737-3323) and Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana (949-7307).

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