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 and participated in an interview about his debut children's fantasy, MARNA: Book 1. The festival, a premier literary event since 1996, provides a platform for authors to connect with readers, and Hauger's appearance underscores the growing interest in stories that blend imagination with environmental awareness.
MARNA: Book 1 follows David, a lonely elementary school student who befriends Marna, a magical butterfly-winged girl. Together, they embark on adventures exploring courage, friendship, forgiveness, and the difficulty of letting go. The story's origin traces back to Hauger's childhood creative writing assignment, later revived during a trip to Bonaire, which inspired the final narrative. Beyond its fantasy elements, the book promotes monarch butterfly conservation, with Hauger emphasizing the importance of creating butterfly-friendly habitats during his festival interview.
The novel resonates with young readers by addressing bullying, ethical decision-making, and forgiveness. Hauger's appearance at the festival offered attendees insight into his creative process and the book's dual focus on entertainment and education. The MainSpring Books booth attracted visitors seeking new titles and direct engagement with authors, highlighting the festival's role in fostering literary connections.
For more information about MARNA: Book 1, visit the author's website at www.marnaadventures.com/ or the Amazon page at https://www.amazon.com/MARNA-Book-1-Jason-Hauger-ebook/dp/B0FDLD2TGM. An author interview is also available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlmzqfyKz9E.
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books continues to serve as a vital gathering for literary enthusiasts, and Hauger's participation exemplifies how authors can use such events to share meaningful stories that inspire both imagination and environmental stewardship.
