Itinerary / Kiddie Lit

This weekend is chock-full of storytelling sessions, readings and other book-related activities fit for even the tiniest of bookworms.

Friday Evening

Begin at Every Picture Tells a Story . . . , where kids can check out original art and illustrations by Dr. Seuss, Jules Feiffer (“The Phantom Toll Booth”), Maurice Sendak, William Joyce and others, on permanent display in the art gallery. The shop also carries hundreds of children’s titles. 7525 Beverly Blvd. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (213) 932-6070.

On the other side of Beverly Boulevard is El Coyote, where little ones will enjoy watching as the waitresses glide around the restaurant, a swirl of traditional Mexican dresses and skirts in every color of the rainbow. What it lacks in taste, the restaurant makes up for in atmosphere. Go early and you can beat the college crowd. 7312 Beverly Blvd. (213) 939-2255.

Saturday

Morning

Wake up to breakfast at the Newsroom. Mom and dad can choose a newspaper or magazine from the in-restaurant newsstand while kids surf the Web on a computer with free Internet access. Try the blueberry waffle, the chicken sausage and eggs and any of the fruit smoothies. 116 N. Robertson Blvd. Monday to Wednesday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thursday to Sunday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. (310) 652-4444.

Cross the courtyard of the Pacific Theater Building to meet Curious George at Storyopolis. There will be costumed characters, a craft activity and “Monkey See Monkey Do Stories” with Steve-Steve the Monkey Boy. Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. $6. RSVP to (310) 358-2512.

Or, if you are in the Valley, Pages Books is hosting national award-winning storyteller Jim Weiss. 11 a.m. $2. 18399 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. (818) 34-BOOKS.

Saturday

Afternoon

For young adult readers, the world of Jane Austen will be brought to life at Throop Memorial Church in Pasadena beginning at 2 p.m. The Jane Austen Evening will be a mixture of live music, food, dance and historical discussion. The event begins with an afternoon tea, followed by a fashion show and an introduction to games played in Austen’s time. 300 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. $20. (818) 342-3482 for required preregistration. The event is presented by the nonprofit Lively Arts History Assn.

Sunday

Several current theater productions are adapted from the pages of favorite children’s and teens’ books. Catch a Sunday matinee or evening performance.

In Santa Monica, “Alice and the Wonderful Tea Party,” a musical comedy based on the Lewis Carroll classic, opens Saturday at the Santa Monica Playhouse. 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Saturdays and Sundays with performances at 1 and 3 p.m. $8. Ends Feb. 1. (310) 394-9779, Ext. 2. Stop for a late lunch or early dinner at Cafe 50s, a diner with a lot of kiddie appeal. There’s a jukebox, vintage toys on display, and the milkshakes and grilled cheeses are tops. 11623 Santa Monica Blvd. and two other locations. (310) 479-1955. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.- 1 a.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-midnight.

In Hollywood, the Candlefish Theatre’s latest offering is a beautiful adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” with a great Jo (Jennifer Johnson). Friday-Saturday performances at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. Indefinitely. $15. 1540 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. (213) 460-2080. Another kid-friendly diner, this one in West Hollywood, is the newly opened Mel’s Drive-In where kids can get their burger and fries served in a plate-sized cardboard 1955 Chevy Bel Air. 8585 Sunset Blvd., just west of La Cienega Blvd. 24 hours. (310) 854-7200.--BOOTH MOORE