Rubi and the Vine Tangle

Help your child navigate big feelings, sensory overload, and the "fight or flight" response with Rubi, the jungle's most relatable monkey! Meet Rubi. Most of the time, she is a happy, energetic monkey swinging through the trees, her body and brain working together like a perfect team. But sometimes, the jungle gets too loud, too bright, or too overwhelming and that’s when the Vine Tangle takes over. When Rubi’s brain gets tangled, her body gets stuck in "fight, flight or freeze." Her arms and legs don't want to listen, and she feels trapped in a messy maze of big emotions. Written by licensed Occupational Therapist Shelley Dostie, OTR/L, Rubi and the Vine Tangle is a heartwarming, beautifully illustrated children's book that visualizes sensory processing differences in a way kids can truly understand. Through Rubi's journey, Rubi and her Occupational Therapist, team up to teach children and their parents the real-life sensory diet tools that can help them untangle their brains and bodies. Young readers will learn that a "tangled" brain isn't a bad or lazy brain, it just needs the right type of play to find its way back to calm. Why Parents, Teachers, and Therapists Love This Book: Child-Friendly Imagery: Transforms complex neurological concepts like sensory meltdowns and dysregulation into a relatable "Vine Tangle." Active Sensory Strategies: Shows Rubi actively using a "sensory diet", including heavy muscle work, calming deep pressure, tactile games, and oral motor tools to help regulate her nervous system. Expert OT Guidance Included: Features a condensed, practical Parent & Educator Guide at the back, explaining the science behind the activities and offering safe, actionable sensory strategies for home or the classroom. Perfect for children aged 3 to 12, neurodivergent families, children with SPD, ADHD, or autism, and anyone looking to build emotional regulation and body awareness. Join Rubi on her adventure and discover how to untangle the brain and get back to play!