Literary calendar

Author Samantha Means - Signing of her book “A Winter Storm.” Today. Noon, Spokane Christian Church, 3007 E. Marshall Ave.

Spokane Poetry Slam - Spokane Poetry Slam is competitive performance poetry. Poets have three minutes to present their original work without costumes, props or musical accompaniment. Judges chosen at random score the poem and the highest cumulative score after two rounds of poetry wins the $50 grand prize. For all ages; content not censored, discretion is advised. This month’s featured poet is Kristen Smith, of Boise, who has represented that city at the National Poetry Slam three times. Today, 8:30 p.m., Scout, 1001 W. First Ave. $5 to compete or watch. (509) 747-3434.

Itty Bitty School Bus Kitty Author Reading - Author Katie Youngren will read her true stories about “Itty Bitty School Bus Kitty” which features the author’s own rescued pet. Youngren, a local school bus driver, will read and sign all three storybooks including her newest, “Itty Bitty School Bus Kitty Goes to the Fair.” Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Barnes & Noble Storytime - Story will be “Snowmen at Night.” Also make a craft and enjoy a treat. Wednesday, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 922-4104.

Spokane Valley Library Book Club - Discuss “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” by Betty Smith. Wednesday, 2 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 893-8400.

Author Dave Jewett - Local author introduces a historical fiction series, “The Bankster Chronicle.” Friday, 7 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, mezzanine, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Barnes & Noble Storytime - Story will be “Oh, What a Christmas!” Also enjoy a craft and treat. Saturday, 11 a.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 922-4104.

Merry Christmas! - Listen to stories of Christmas and take part in a craft. Saturday, 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Spokane Novelists Group - Strong critiquing of fiction only, novels and short stories. Bring five to 10 pages to read to the group and six to eight copies. Saturday. Noon, Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. Free. (509) 891-1695.

Holiday Sing Along With Mudgy and Santa - Children’s author Susan Nipp, creator of the “Mudgy & Millie” book and the nationally known “Wee Sing” series of books and music, will lead the children in singing some holiday favorites. Mudgy, Millie and Santa Claus will there – bring your cameras. Nipp and sculptor Terry Lee, who created the bronze statues along the Mudgy Trail, will also sign copies of “Mudgy & Millie.” Saturday, 1 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 769-2380.

Author Kelly Milner Halls and Friends - Meet the author of nonfiction books for children including, “Hatchlings: Life-size Baby Dinosaurs.” Halls and other local children’s authors will be on hand to autograph their latest books. Saturday, 2-3 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, main floor, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.