Brave Mee and the Forest of Tangled Lies: Forest of Tangled Lies

Brave Mee #1

by Laura Wright

"Brave Mee and the Forest of Tangled Lies" is part of the "Brave Mee" series. Mee is never given a gender, allowing the reader to internalize the character and join in the adventure. In each book, Mee has had their happiness stolen by things like lies, anger, and anxiety.
In this book, the first in the series, Mee, a thoughtful child has had their happiness stolen by cognitive distortions, lies. Mee is confronted by Big Sister and others who belittle Mee. Mee internalizes these lies, causing unhappiness.
Mee is assisted through the trials of the forest by three adorable and relatable characters. These characters give voice to the truth and help Mee see the beauty we all have in us. The animal friends who help Mee along are Ernie the owl, Rizzo the elephant, and Rocco the rabbit.
With each book, Laura hopes to empower the reader to seek out their own happiness. We are all in control of our reactions and indeed our own happiness. Happy people can experience sadness. It is how we react to sadness or distressful situations that determines our level of happiness with life in general. Give the gift of empowerment.

34 pages, Hardcover

Published August 15, 2021

About the author

Laura Wright is a Marine Corps veteran of the war in Iraq. She is the author of the children's book series "Brave Mee," and a stand-alone book, "Bella the Bedtime Butterfly."

She will graduate from Pittsburg State University in May 2025, with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with an emphasis in Creative Writing, and a minor in Illustration and Visual Storytelling.

She lives in the countryside of the Midwest with her husband, children, and many pets. She enjoys spending time with friends, writing, and creating art.

Facebook: Our Brave Mee

Reviews

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave Mee is a very good book about the trials and emotions that children go through and can not seem to understand why or how they will get through it. This book helps show how to think it through without getting upset and doubting themselves. It is well written and illustrated.

[Nancy Retallick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I predict parents and kids will love this children’s book. This is a fun easy short book that challenges how children see themselves. Mee can be either a girl or a boy.

Mee is a very intelligent and fearless child who comes to realize s/he is unhappy and decides to set out on her own to find the source of unhappiness. Mee, just like any child, is hurt when Big Sister and friends belittle Mee. Mee is on an emotional roller coaster.

The writer’s use of a wise owl, an elephant that never forgets and a laughing snorting rabbit enables a child to believe the message in the story.

Mee is very thoughtful in that she understands that she is loved and wanted. This book teaches children that ultimately each one of us is responsible for how we feel. It’s so easy for kids to believe that they are annoying and unwanted; especially when an older sibling says so. There is a good life lesson for kids to learn that they are in control of what they tell themselves. The epilogue says it all and should be read to children as well. This is a book to leave on your child’s bookshelf as a reminder to the child that they are loved and special.

Any child reading this book might open up about being bullied which would be a good thing. A care giver needs to be prepared if that happens.

[Gary Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonder children's tale from author Laura Wright. This book aims to help teach children the value of self-worth and how happiness can come from within. Younger readers may struggle with the concepts on their own at first but I think this would be an excellent book for parents to read to their young children over and over again to help them learn how easy it is for someone to get down on themselves when they shouldn't and how they should always love themselves no matter what.

[Peter Okonkwo]

Brave Mee and the Forest of Tangled Lies

I feel like there are some crucial messages that were communicated in this book. I admire the life lesson that was inscribed towards the ending page of the book (page 29) that children should keep the truth close to their hearts and live by it every day.
The drawing and coloring are beautiful; this is another fantastic work from the adeptness of Author Laura Wrights.