🏆#1 Best Seller in Occupational Therapy Books 

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Big emotions don’t come out of nowhere.
They begin as small inner clues inside the body.

What if children could notice those clues before feelings become overwhelming?

The Inner Clue Detectives is a gentle, interactive picture book created by a paediatric Occupational Therapist, helping children aged 3–8:
Notice their inner clues
Understand what their body might be communicating
Build awareness of body signals in a safe, curious way
 
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Follow siblings Adrian and Emilia as they become Inner Clue Detectives, discovering everyday body signals like fluttery tummy, thirsty mouth, sleepy eyes, sound spikes, and turbo body.

This is more than just a story.
Children are invited to pause, notice, and explore their own inner clues alongside the characters through simple, interactive prompts.

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Used in libraries, schools, and sensory spaces across Australia

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Beautifully illustrated by Tanya Zeinalova (@zeinal_art)

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Why families and educators love this book:
Created by a paediatric Occupational Therapist
Neuroaffirming and trauma-informed approach
Focuses on inner clues before emotions escalate
Interactive prompts that invite reflection and participation
Includes co-regulation scripts for real-life moments
Designed for home, classrooms, and therapy settings
 
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Rather than focusing on behaviour first, this story supports children to notice their inner clues, stay curious, and begin to understand what their body might be telling them.

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What’s inside the book:
• A gentle detective story following Adrian and Emilia
• Everyday inner clues children recognise
• Magnifying glass questions that invite curiosity and interaction
• Simple detective tools to try with a Detective Guide
• An Inner Clue Detective Log for reflection
• Co-regulation scripts for parents and educators
• A calming closing affirmation that supports body trust

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Children begin to learn that their inner clues are important messages worth noticing.
And when children understand their inner clues, emotions start to make more sense.

Understanding the body comes before self-regulation.

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Companion resources:
Companion toolkits are available via the Toolkits tab to further support interoceptive awareness and co-regulation at home, school, or in therapy settings.

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⭐ REAL FEEDBACK

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“What an amazing book. It’s such an informative, well-written neuroaffirming book. It has helped my son become more in tune with his inner clues and understand his body better before feelings become overwhelming. It has also helped me learn how to talk to him about his inner clues, leading to a calmer, more settled home environment. I couldn’t thank you more for creating this excellent book — it truly feels like something every household needs!
— Kay W., Parent

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“Wow, what a resource! A beautifully written and illustrated book that has helped my students joyfully connect with their inner clues and go on detective adventures together. I can’t wait to start implementing the Teacher Toolkit.”
— Lauren S., Teacher

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“Fantastic. Highly recommended! This is one of the best neuroaffirming and trauma-informed books available. It’s clear, easy to understand, culturally inclusive, fun, and highly engaging. An incredible resource for any environment! Thank you for educating us all about interoception. I’ve already recommended it to my family, friends, and my daughter’s teachers.”
— Ashley D., Parent

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Great for young kids!
We've been reading The Inner Clue Detectives with our kids and it's been really helpful. We had never heard of interoception before, but it made us realise how important it is for kids to understand what's happening in their bodies before trying to label emotions. It's more than a picture book- you can come back to it again and again. Such a great find, highly recommend!
— Sam., Parent

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Jacinta, You have done a fabulous work, children love this.. I have started introducing it to them and it makes it much easier to envision what we are working on and easier to understand.
Well done 💚✨🙏
— Bita., Occupational Therapist

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A beautiful guide for children and parents too 
“The Inner Clue Detectives” is such a gentle, engaging way to help children tune into their bodies and emotions. What I love most is that it supported me as a parent as well. Reading it together made me notice my own feelings and become a “detective” alongside my child. The illustrations are bright, the language is warm, and the message is empowering. Jacinta Kitanoski has created something truly special, a book that nurtures emotional awareness in kids while quietly guiding parents at the same time.
— Isazenabella., Parent 

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Excellent Therapeutic Book!
This is a very well made and thoughtfully created therapeutic picture book that reflects excellent professional knowledge and experience. The content is clearly informed by evidence and presented in a way that is easy for children to understand.
The interactive elements make it easy to follow and engaging, and I developed a great understanding from reading it. The book is well structured, practical, and encourages thoughtful discussion about what's happening inside the body. It feels purposeful rather than overwhelming, and it's clear a lot of care has gone into how the ideas are introduced.
—TP., Parent 

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Highly Recommended!
Amazing! This book has been incredibly helpful for us. It’s given me such a practical toolkit to navigate those moments with more confidence. Even the kids have enjoyed reading it. Highly recommend!
— Jorja., Parent 

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Amazing educational book!
As a teacher and mum of 3, I love how this book caters to children, parents, and teachers. It introduces interoception in a fun and engaging way, helping children become detectives of their own inner clues through practical, everyday strategies. The book also supports adults in developing a deeper understanding of the importance of interoception. It creates meaningful real-life connections that support children’s wellbeing and learning. My children loved it! I can’t wait to continue to apply the concepts at home and use it in my classroom. Such an amazing resource!
—Simone., Parent & Teacher