LOS ANGELES, CA — The 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held April 18–19 at the University of Southern California campus, featured author Jason Hauger at the MainSpring Books booth, where he signed copies of his debut children's fantasy, MARNA: Book 1. The festival, one of the nation's premier literary events, provided a platform for Hauger to discuss his book's themes of courage, friendship, and environmental stewardship.
MARNA: Book 1 follows David, a lonely elementary school student who befriends Marna, a magical butterfly-winged girl. Together, they embark on adventures that explore courage, forgiveness, and the challenges of letting go. The story's inspiration traces back to Hauger's childhood, sparked by an early creative writing assignment. Years later, a trip to Bonaire rekindled that memory, leading to the book's creation.
Beyond its narrative, the book promotes monarch butterfly conservation. During an exclusive interview at the festival, Hauger emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship and creating butterfly-friendly habitats, adding an educational layer to the story. The novel encourages young readers to stand up against bullying, make ethical choices, and practice forgiveness.
Festival attendees had the opportunity to meet Hauger and learn about the creative process behind his debut publication. The MainSpring Books booth offered a space for readers to discover new titles and engage directly with authors. Hauger's appearance provided insight into his journey and the book's meaningful lessons.
For more information about MARNA: Book 1, 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. An author interview is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlmzqfyKz9E.
