Celebrate books, music, Star Wars, and comics

This week, there is a little something for readers, music lovers, Star Wars fanatics, and comic book buffs of all ages. Here are three celebrations you shouldn’t miss:

One of the best ways to learn about Hawaii books and even meet local authors is the Hawaii Book and Music Festival this weekend, April 30 and May 1, on the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds in Honolulu. There’s something for book and music lovers of all ages, including a book swap (bring a gently-read book, get a gently-read book).

For readers, there are author talks, panel discussions, and author signings. For music lovers, there are mele and hula performances and even a ‘ukulele kanikapila. For children, there are entertainers, storytelling, and a keiki fun zone. My son loved singing along with PBS Kids’ Mr. Steve, who is back again this year.

Say “May the Fourth” out loud and you’ll understand why Star Wars fans celebrate May 4 with such zeal. You can jump into the spirit of Star Wars just by wishing someone a Happy May the Fourth Day. Get into a lightsaber fight with pool noodles, wrapping paper tubes, or even golf club bag tubes. I love the idea of having a Star Wars movie marathon party, costumes optional.

Whether you’re looking for Star Wars adventures (there’s a whole expanded universe out there), humor (I recommend Jeffrey Brown’s “Darth Vader and Son”), Shakespeare (Ian Doescher’s “William Shakespeare’s Star Wars: Verily, a New Hope” is excellent), or coloring books (relax with Art Therapy’s “Art of Coloring Star Wars: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity and Relaxation”), there’s a book for you.

Venture into the bright and dark world of comic books and graphic novels with Free Comic Book Day on May 7. Just show your valid HSPLS card at a participating Hawaii State Public Library and receive a free comic book. Choose from the Avengers, Pokemon, Spongebob, Strawberry Shortcake, and more.  (I have my eye on Serenity or Captain America). Some libraries may even surprise you with a visit by costumed characters from the Pacific Outpost of the 501^st Legion, Rebel Legion Hawaii, and Costumers Guild of Hawaii.

On Oahu, visit public libraries in Aiea, Aina Haina, Hawaii Kai, Kaulua, Kalihi-Palama, Kapolei, Manoa, McCully-Moiliili, Mililani, Salt Lake, Waianae, Waikiki-Kapahulu, Waimanalo, and Waipahu. On Hawaii Island, visit public libraries in Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Thelma Parker Memorial. On Kauai, visit the public library in Princeville. On Lanai, stop by the Lanai Public and School Library booth at the Saturday Market in Dole Park. On Maui, visit public libraries in Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, and Makawao.

If you could visit a world or time from a book, movie, or comic book, where would you go? Would you rather read a book first, and then watch the film adaptation; or watch the movie first?

Celebrate Star Wars Reads Day 2015

On October 10, 2015, celebrate reading and all things Star Wars with Star Wars Reads Day! Immerse yourself in dramatic battles of good vs. evil and space opera storytelling. This year, Star Wars Reads Day is even more compelling as we anticipate “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (Star Wars VII), which will be released in theatres in December.

Do you realize that Hawaii would make a fantastic Jedi training camp? It’s one of the most remote places on Earth, making it easily defensible and far from distractions. It has a wide variety of terrains on Earth (the Big Island alone has 11 of Earth’s 13 climate zones) – and Mars too (in the 1970s, Apollo astronauts trained on the Big Island’s lunar landscapes). And except for the Sith, it has no large predators to threaten young padawans (Jedi trainees).

Here are some ideas to celebrate Star Wars Reads Day in Hawaii:

* Drop in on a local Star Wars Reads Day event. In Hawaii, stop by select public libraries for give-aways, activities, contests, and special guests at Aiea, Aina Haina, Hawaii Kai, Kahuku, Kailua, Kapolei, Manoa, Waikiki-Kapahulu, and Waimanalo Public Libraries! On Oahu, register for special Star Wars Reads Day activities and a make-and-take Lego build activity at Barnes and Noble in Honolulu (limited seating). On Maui, dress up as your favorite Star Wars character and visit Barnes and Noble in Lahaina for a special storytime, parade, and activity.

* Host your own Star Wars-themed party. Disney Family has some fun Star Wars party ideas, including invitations (a Jawa pop-up card), crafts (a Chewbacca utensil holder), and foods (an R2-D2 Berry Parfait and Darth Vader lightsaber sugar cookies).

* Exercise your imagination. Kids can download a free Star Wars Reads Day activity packet, with word searches, coloring pages, drawing pages, a mission report, quizzes, a matching game, a maze, and puppets.

* For “Star Wars Rebels” fans… Just for fun, find out which “Star Wars Rebels” character you are by answering 10 short questions. (For some reason, I’m Hera Syndulla.)

* Can’t wait for “The Force Awakens”? Kids can download free “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” activity pages, full of coloring pages and a maze.

What is your favorite Star Wars movie, TV series, book, or graphic novel? Which Star Wars character do you wish you could meet?

Journey into Star Wars Reads Day

The Force will once again come to Hawaii libraries and bookstores. The third annual Star Wars Reads Day, a celebration of reading and Star Wars, will be celebrated on October 11, 2014.

The event is sponsored by Lucasfilm, along with publishers Abrams, Chronicle Books, Dark Horse, Del Rey, Disney Book Group, DK Publishing, Klutz, Quirk Books, Random House Audio, Scholastic, and Workman Publishing.

Here’s what you can do to celebrate Star Wars Reads Day in Hawaii:

* Visit a public library: From 10 am to 5 pm, Aina Haina and Waikiki-Kapahulu Public Libraries on Oahu will host kids activities and give-aways. If you’re at the Aiea Public Library between 2 pm and 4 pm, you may even see Pacific Outpost 501^st Legion troopers! Contact individual libraries for details.

* Sit back at storytime: Barnes and Noble at Ala Moana Center will host a special Children’s Storytime with giveaways and activities at 11 am.

* Download free Star Wars activities for kids: This free printable activity kit from StarWars.com is full of crafts, drawing and coloring pages, and games and puzzles.

* Read a Star Wars book: From easy reading books for children and graphic novels to comic books and full-length novels, there’s a Star Wars story for you!

* Host a Star Wars movie night: Return to the Star Wars galaxy by watching the movies. Party Ideas by a Pro has fantastic Star Wars birthday ideas that you can adapt for movie night. Snack on Han burgers, Vader taters, Wookie cookes, and Death Star cake pops, Yoda soda and Jedi juice.

* Play Star Wars-inspired games: Check out TipJunkie.com for Star Wars-inspired games inspired by Star Wars, like a Jedi Training Course, Pin the Saber on Yoda, and Gungan Water Balloon Fight.

Did you know that since 1977, there have been over 200 Star Wars novels and over 900 Star Wars comic books? With Star Wars Episode VII in production and tentatively scheduled for release in December 2015, we’re assured many more books in the Star Wars galaxy, filled with epic battles, friendships, betrayals, revelations, and romances.

Enjoy Star Wars Reads Day and may the Force be with you!

Celebrate Star Wars Reads Day!

Calling all fans of reading, lightsaber-wielding Jedi Knights, cynical space ship captains, and sarcastic princesses: October 5 is Star Wars Reads Day, a celebration of literacy and all things Star Wars.

This Saturday, Hawaii readers can celebrate Star Wars Reads Day with storytime, crafts, and costumes at Barnes and Noble in Lahaina (10 am) and in Kahala Mall (11 am). Several Hawaii public libraries will also host Star Wars Reads Day events: Aiea, Aina Haina, Hawaii Kai, Kahuku, Kapolei, Mililani, and Princeville (please call your local library to confirm).

For those of us who can’t wait, I highly recommend Jeffrey Brown’s “Darth Vader and Son” and “Vader’s Little Princess.” Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith, rules the Galactic Empire – while raising his 4-year old son Luke and his daughter, Leia, who grows into a rebellious teenager.

The book takes some of Vader’s famous lines and gives them a new twist. “This isn’t the toy you’re looking for,” Darth tells Luke, who answers “Yes it is.” Carrying Luke over his shoulder, Darth declares, “It is pointless to resist, my son. It’s bedtime.” When Han Solo comes over for dinner, Vader says, “So, we meet at last.” Leia whispers, “Behave yourself, or my Dad will totally kill you.”

What is your favorite Star Wars one-liner? What is your favorite Star Wars movie? Which characters do you love?

Tomorrow is Star Wars Reads Day!

Saturday, October 6, is the first Star Wars Reads Day, a national event that celebrates reading and Star Wars. It’s a fun way to remember your favorite characters and scenes, and a great way to introduce your children to the adventure, space drama, and epic battles of Star Wars.

Join the excitement at one of six Hawaii public libraries: Aiea Public Library, Aina Haina Public Library, Kahuku Public and School Library, McCully-Moili‘ili Public Library, and Mililani Public Library on Oahu; and Princeville Public Library on Kauai. There will be free activities like Star Wars coloring pages, trivia, bookmarks, prize drawings, and meet-and-greet opportunities with Star Wars costumed characters. Please call the host library for event times and details.

Barnes and Noble at Ala Moana Center on Oahu will also host a special R2-D2 and Friends storytime on at 11 am with readings, crafts, and activities.

For even more entertainment, download a free activity kit, filled with recipes, crafts, coloring pages, trivia, and games at http://www.starwars.com/reads/.

“May the Force be with you.” And: May you read a lot of books.