The 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held April 18–19 at the University of Southern California, featured author Jason Hauger at the MainSpring Books booth, where he signed copies of his debut children's fantasy novel, MARNA: Book 1, and participated in an exclusive author interview.
Recognized as one of the nation's premier literary festivals, the event has drawn diverse readers since 1996. Hauger's book follows David, a lonely elementary school student who befriends Marna, a magical butterfly-winged girl. Their adventures explore courage, friendship, forgiveness, and the challenges of letting go. The story's inspiration traces back to Hauger's childhood creative writing assignment and was rekindled during a trip to Bonaire.
Beyond its magical narrative, MARNA: Book 1 promotes monarch butterfly conservation. During his interview, Hauger emphasized environmental stewardship and creating butterfly-friendly habitats, adding an educational layer to the book's message. The novel encourages young readers to stand up against bullying, make ethical choices, and practice forgiveness.
Festival attendees had the chance to meet Hauger and learn about his creative process. His appearance offered a behind-the-scenes look into his debut publication, blending imagination with meaningful life lessons. For more information, visit the author's website at www.marnaadventures.com or the book's Amazon page at www.amazon.com/MARNA-Book-1-Jason-Hauger-ebook/dp/B0FDLD2TGM. The full author interview is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlmzqfyKz9E.
