Meet the Emotions Detectives™
A team of lovable detectives helping children solve the mysteries of their feelings - one adventure at a time.
A New Way to Think About Emotions
The science behind the Emotions Detectives™ approach
Emotions and emotional behavior have long been examined as controlling factors of our behavior over which we have little or no control. They are often considered something we must simply accept or try to get rid of.
However, we contend we have more control over our emotions than previously believed.
Scientific data has demonstrated that emotions are not an uncontrollable reflex - rather, they are a product of our experiences. In understanding our emotions and their context, we can begin to unpack their meaning and, in doing so, make meaningful changes in our lives.
The Old Way
- -Simply label emotions as feelings to recognize
- -Only asks “How do you feel?”
- -Treats emotions as something to accept or suppress
The Detectives' Way
- +Teaches children to become active problem-solvers
- +Explores why you feel that way and what's happening
- +Connects emotions to situations, actions, and outcomes
The Detective Team
Every great mystery needs a great team. Meet the detectives who help children understand their emotions.
Maggie the Magnifying Glass
Maggie helps children look closely at what's happening around them. She asks the important questions: What do you see? What just happened? Let's examine the clues together!
Scout the Map
Scout shows children that there's always more than one path forward. When emotions feel overwhelming, Scout helps explore different options and discover new possibilities.
Nori the Compass
Nori guides children toward the path that works best for them. With her “Good” and “Not So Good” meter, she helps children see where different choices might lead.
Their First Case
The Case of Sam Meets the Spider
Join the Emotions Detectives™ on their first adventure as they help Sam solve an emotional mystery
The Mystery
Why did Sam run away when he saw a spider? Join Maggie, Scout, and Nori as they guide Sam - and young readers - through this exciting mystery.
What Children Learn
- How to look closely at feelings and examine what's really happening
- How to discover different paths they can take
- How to choose the path that works out best
Perfect for: Parents, teachers, therapists, and caregivers working with children ages 4-8
Available now in paperback
Created By
The Emotions Detectives™ were brought to life by experts in behavioral science and emotional learning
Dr. Anna M. Linnehan
Anna M. Linnehan is an Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science for the Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis at Endicott College. Dr. Linnehan earned her masters and doctoral degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College, Beverly, MA.
She has a passion for improving the lives of others through science. Her research utilizes the Goldiamond-Layng Theory, a behavioral contingency analytic account of emotions, paired with instructional design to teach emotional concepts and develop programs to help individuals identify and problem solve their own emotions and emotional behavior.
Her recent TEDx talk, “Why Reassurance Doesn't Always Make Us Feel Better,” highlights this analysis. As a professor, Anna enjoys teaching behavioral science at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels.
Dr. Jillian Baldwin
Jillian Baldwin is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst-D in Massachusetts. She received her undergraduate (BA in Psychology) from Stonehill College and her graduate (MS in Applied Behavior Analysis) from Western New England University. She graduated in 2025 with her PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College.
Jillian has worked in ABA programs since 2007 and received her BCBA certification in 2012. Her experience spans residential, day programs, public schools, in-home, and in-clinic settings in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Oregon.
Currently, Jillian is an Assistant Director of Consulting with New England Center for Children and an adjunct professor at Endicott College and Simmons University. Her research interests include teaching emotion recognition and problem solving through contingency analysis and the constructional approach.
Contact the Authors
Have questions about The Emotions Detectives™? Want to discuss workshops, speaking engagements, or collaborations? We'd love to hear from you.
Contact Us
Join the Investigation
Help your child become an Emotions Detective. Together with Maggie, Scout, and Nori, they'll learn to turn big feelings into solvable mysteries.
Start the First AdventureThe Case of Sam Meets the Spider - Available now on Amazon