MEET SERENA

ABOUT THE AUTHOR — SERENA N. BROWN
Serena N. Brown is a U.S. Navy veteran, Florida Realtor®, and the heart behind the beloved children’s series MeMe, JJ & Friends.
Born in Woodbine, Georgia and now rooted in Jacksonville, Florida, Serena blends real-life experiences, family memories, and the unconditional love of her pets to create stories that help children feel seen, supported, and brave.
Her writing journey began with her three rescue pets—MeMe, JJ, and Tuffie—each with a story of their own. Later, Tank, a gentle pit bull with a big heart and a difficult past, joined the family and became a symbol of courage and second chances. These real pets inspired the “Forest of Friends,” a magical world where kindness leads the way and every challenge becomes a chance to grow.
Serena’s books celebrate:
Friendship and belonging
Facing fears and big emotions
Finding strength in community
The beauty of second chances
Her mother—who lovingly named MeMe, JJ, and Tuffie—remains a guiding light in the series, appearing in the stories as an anchor of warmth and wisdom.
When she’s not writing or helping families find homes in Jacksonville, Serena enjoys building the Forest of Friends universe, connecting with readers, and sharing the real personalities of her pets with children everywhere.
Through her books, Serena hopes every child knows:
You are loved. You belong. And no matter how small you feel, you matter.

🌿 Short Version (if your theme needs fewer words)
Serena N. Brown is a U.S. Navy veteran, Florida Realtor®, and children’s book author based in Jacksonville, Florida. Inspired by her real-life pets—MeMe, JJ, Tuffie, Tank, Lexus, and Uno—Serena writes heartwarming stories that teach courage, belonging, and kindness. Her beloved “Forest of Friends” series helps children navigate emotions through friendship, adventure, and real-world lessons rooted in love.

About me

Stories Rooted in Real Life, Care, and Connection

I’m Serena N. Brown — a children’s book author, U.S. Navy veteran, and lifelong animal lover. The MeMe, JJ & Friends series grew from real moments with real pets, each with their own story, personality, and lessons to share.

I didn’t set out to write children’s books — I set out to help children feel seen.
The MeMe, JJ & Friends series grew from real life: real pets, real moments, and real emotions that don’t always have easy words. Each story is inspired by the animals who have been part of my family — from MeMe and JJ to Tuffie, Tank, and beyond — and the lessons they quietly taught about kindness, noticing, patience, and love.

Many children don’t say when something feels “off.”
They show it — through behavior, silence, or pulling away.
My stories are written to help children (and the adults who love them) recognize those quiet signals. Whether it’s a dog who doesn’t feel like himself or a friend who needs extra care, each book creates space for empathy, conversation, and reassurance.

As a U.S. Navy veteran, Florida Realtor®, and lifelong animal lover, I bring a deep respect for service, community, and second chances into everything I create. These books are often used by parents, teachers, counselors, and librarians as gentle tools for social-emotional learning — especially around noticing feelings, asking for help, and staying connected.

Forest foundation

The Roots Were Planted

I am a lifelong animal lover. You find out through the series that my life has being touch and bless by a several different animals from ferrets, iguana, parkette, dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. I love to share the forest of pets with children because every “child deserves a forest of friends.”

What we offer

We create gentle, story-based resources that help children understand emotions and build empathy through shared moments.

Children’s storybooks

The series began with MeMe, JJ, and Tuffie. When JJ met Tank, the stories expanded beyond friendship and grew into lessons of kindness, noticing, and care. What started as a simple trio evolved first into a message of Adopt-a-Heart and then into the Forest of Friends — a growing world that helps children explore empathy, recognize when someone needs support, and understand the value of connection and belonging.
Each book introduces familiar characters and gentle moments that encourage children to notice big feelings and quiet emotions, opening the door to meaningful conversations at home, in classrooms, and in libraries.

SEL Reflections Tools

Our SEL reflection tools are designed to help children slow down, notice emotions, and talk about feelings in a way that feels safe and supportive.
Each reflection activity builds from the stories in the MeMe, JJ & Friends series, giving teachers, parents, and caregivers simple prompts to guide conversation rather than lead it. Instead of telling children what to feel, the tools encourage observation, empathy, and understanding — helping children recognize emotions in themselves and others.
These tools are especially helpful for children who may struggle to express how they feel. By focusing on noticing changes, asking gentle questions, and staying connected, the reflection activities support meaningful dialogue without pressure, labels, or judgment.
Used alongside the stories, SEL reflection tools help strengthen communication, emotional awareness, and trust in classrooms and at home.

Tools for noticing big and quiet emotions

Being equipped to notice when a friend is not feeling like themselves is important for children and adults alike. Through the stories, we teach how to observe even the smallest changes — the quiet moments that may signal when someone needs care or support.
Noticing does not always mean having the right words or knowing what to do next. Sometimes, the most important helping hand is simply being present and willing to listen. These tools encourage awareness, empathy, and the courage to respond with kindness when it matters most.

Gentle conversation

Feelings can be complex, especially when you can’t find the words to describe what you’re feeling. These stories allow children to sit with their emotions — to feel them safely and quietly — until they are ready to speak about what’s happening inside.
Through gentle storytelling, children learn that feelings don’t need to be rushed or fixed. With time, patience, and support, emotions can be understood, expressed, and allowed to pass — helping children return to feeling like themselves again.

Get in Touch

Inquiries are welcome to discuss educational use, library programs, or collaborations.

904-361-1585

memejjandfriends.com