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Reader Views 5-Star Review: Felix and the Magic Sea

"An entertaining, elegantly written story, the book also serves as an affecting, emotional allegory, symbolizing the natural course of human children growing up and the difficulties of a parent letting go." "The art is excellent, with soft colors that perfectly complement the dreamlike magical realism of the story." "Felix and the Magic Sea is a touching picture book with a satisfying message about a boy who changes in time but maintains a long-lasting bond with his mother."

I'm kinda getting the hang of this! Dee, I enjoyed chatting with you! Honestly though, Clyde the crew cow stole the show over my shoulder (his debut)! Michelle Luise Walters TV interview with ABC TV WTVM TV. Premiered on September 1, 2026. https://www.wtvm.com/video/2026/09/01/importance-reading-children/ Michelle Luise Walters is interviewed with ABC TV WTVM TV in Columbus, Georgia discussing her new book "Felix and the Magic Sea" and more. Plus, you might see Rebecca Morris

Springfield, Missouri TV Interview

"In this beautiful story about family, change, growing up, and love, readers will explore the tension between love for the safety and comfort of home and the pull to venture out and explore the exciting (and sometimes dangerous) world beyond it." "Perfect for readers who need reassurance about the future, Felix and the Magic Sea is a lovely story that rewards shared reading and deep discussion." By Dr. Jen Harrison, The Children's Book Review (August 2026) In this beautiful s

Premiered on August 19, 2026. Michelle Luise Walters was interviewed with CW TV WCCB TV in Charlotte, North Carolina discussing her new book "Felix and the Magic Sea" and more. Check it out here - https://www.wccbcharlotte.com/2026/08/19/dive-into-adventure-with-new-childrens-book-felix-and-the-magic-sea/

I’m thrilled to share that Santa Skips Christmas!?! has been named a Finalist in the 2026 American Fiction Awards in the Children’s Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction category! It’s such an honor to see this little Christmas story recognized alongside so many wonderful books. ❤️ When I wrote Santa Skips Christmas!?!, I wanted to create a fun twist on a beloved Christmas tradition—a story filled with humor, heart, friendship, and a little Christmas chaos. Seeing it receive this r

I’m so excited to share that I’ll be doing my very first interview about Felix and the Magic Sea this Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. on WCCB Charlotte! I can’t wait to talk about Felix, the inspiration behind his magical journey, and the story of love, growing up, and letting go at the heart of this book. Charlotte, here I come! Tune in Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. on WCCB Charlotte!

Cover Reveal

4 ⭐️ Review by Michelle Luise Get Back in the Book! by Larry Issa and Emma Chadwick is a delightful story about a young author whose characters unexpectedly leap off the pages of the book he created for show-and-tell. As the characters explore the real world, the young author gently reminds them that books are where their true adventures live—full of imagination, wonder, and endless possibilities. With beautiful illustrations and a playful premise, this story celebrates the m

Turns out, I wasn’t meant to be an engineer. Or an attorney. Or a nurse. I was meant to be a writer. I loved writing as a kid—but I wasn’t very good, so somewhere along the way, I quietly put it aside. Years later, when my children were young and their brother died, I found my way back to storytelling to help them cope. And now…I can’t seem to stop. In fact, I was so deep in writing this morning that I missed my train stop. Not by one stop... By three. Some things just have a

5 ⭐️ Review by Michelle Luise The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin is a heartfelt celebration of the limitless potential within every child. Through gentle rhymes and whimsical illustrations, it invites young readers to imagine all the different paths their lives might take. At its core, the story encourages creativity, individuality, and the freedom to become exactly who they are meant to be—making it a beautiful and reassuring read for both children and

✨ Meet Elisa, the Christmas Ducky! ✨ She’s tiny, she’s brave, and she just might be the most festive rubber ducky you’ve ever met. Elisa began her journey as a stowaway in Shana, the Christmas Squirrel! , but now she’s got her very own story—full of adventure, mischief, and a few pigeons with big city dreams. 🗽🕊️🎁 Elisa’s story is a gentle reminder that, sometimes, getting lost is how we find our way home. Stay tuned for more sneak peeks as I bring Elisa’s world to life!

This one made me nervous for a hot minute, but don't worry, Henry, Christmas still arrives. Dear Michelle, Your book caused an argument in my house the other evening, and it began with a surprisingly serious question for such a joyful story: “What do you mean Santa skips Christmas?” I was trying to describe Santa Skips Christmas!?! while reading it, and the idea alone sparked immediate debate. Could Santa really take a night off? What would happen if the elves were suddenly

I get some of the most interesting emails from fans and creatives who want to help bring Santa Skips Christmas to new readers. This is one of the sweetest I've received: Dear Michelle, I want to open this letter by saying something I mean with complete and genuine admiration: the love and creative ambition you have poured into Santa Skips Christmas!?! As a debut children's book is extraordinary, and it deserves to be celebrated before anything else is said. You did not sim

This is the most interesting letter I have received: Dear Michelle, Let me get this straight… Santa actually ditched Christmas and left the elves in charge? Michelle, that’s either the boldest Christmas plot twist ever written or the beginning of a very expensive North Pole HR crisis. (I was half-expecting Mrs. Claus to start a “self-care” blog halfway through the story.) Santa Skips Christmas!?! has that rare kind of charm that makes both kids and parents secretly laugh a

This is an early sketch from Felix and the Magic Sea , illustrated by the incredibly talented Fabiana Attanasio. The story begins with a little boy and his mother walking along the beach…but something magical is about to happen. ✨ imagination ✨ adventure ✨ a deep parent-child bond ✨ and a boy who becomes something extraordinary What do you think Felix is about to discover in the sea? 👀 Should I share more sneak peeks?

Wow! Felix and the Magic Sea — the sketches are here! 🌊 Seeing Felix come to life for the very first time has me in tears - joyful tears. These early sketches are already so full of heart, wonder, and movement… I can only imagine how breathtaking they’ll be once the vibrant blues and greens of the sea are added. I am beyond grateful to be working with the incredibly talented and world-renowned, Fabiana Attanasio, who is bringing this story to life in the most beautiful way.

My sister, Kimberly, drew my first logo. Now, I’m refreshing my author brand with a professional designer and just received two new logo options… and I can’t decide! They both feel like me in different ways — one a little more whimsical, one a little more sleek. Which one do you like better? Logo 1 or Logo 2? Your vote helps more than you know 💛 #michelleluise

Readers Favorite 5-Star Review