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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

The Story of Felix and the Magic Sea

I'm turning my characters into stickers! 🖍️✨I can’t decide which one I love the most — do you have a favorite?

Felix and the Magic Sea

A few years ago, I never imagined that a children’s book I wrote would be featured in Law360. This article explores how my work as an attorney—and my family’s journey through grief—shaped a children’s book about love, teamwork, and what really makes Christmas magical. My debut book, Santa Skips Christmas!?!, is ultimately about showing up for one another when things don’t go as planned. You can read the full piece here: https://www.law360.com/articles/2424841   I’m grateful

As 2025 comes to a close and 2026 begins, I would like to take a moment to thank you all for your support for my debut book, Santa Skips Christmas!?! It has been a resounding success, and all of my readers have had wonderful things to say about it. For instance, this mom who said: ❤️ My 5-year-old daughter absolutely loved this story. The rhymes are fun to read out loud, and the pictures are bright and cheerful. It really captures the spirit of Christmas in a new and funny wa

I am beyond thrilled to announce that the incredibly talented Fabiana Attanasio  will be the illustrator for my upcoming book, The Boy and the Sea ! 🎨✨ Fabiana is an Italian illustrator based near Rome who has loved drawing since childhood and pursued her passion through formal studies in illustration. She has brought stories to life for children around the world and has a beautiful ability to blend traditional media with digital artistry — from brushes and pencils to vibran

New Activity Book

This song was made especially for the book, and seeing the story come to life through music has been pure joy. Turn the sound on and enjoy a little holiday magic! Merry Christmas! Find out more at michelleluise.com .

The reviewer read Santa Skips Christmas!?! to her 2-year-old grandson, who adored the book and the illustrations and was immediately drawn to the bright, cheerful artwork. She shared how the story felt like a fun adventure, how the rhythm and heart of it came through, and how it left her with that cozy Christmas feeling we all hope to create.

Award Nominated!

Last year’s Washington-Liberty Holiday Bazaar completely changed my life. It might sound dramatic—it’s just a high school bazaar filled with local artisans and holiday crafts—but that day set my author journey in motion. Across the room, I spotted a woman selling a book called Goodnight Menopause!  I hesitated, pretended to browse some ornaments, then finally ran over and blurted out: “Are you a local author? How did you do it? What’s your name?” Her name was Melissa. She gra

Review by David Price - Santa Skips Christmas!?!

Christmas Comes Early to Arlington’s Little Free Libraries