Can you spot them?
The Moody Moody Cars - Summer Car-Spotting Challenge helps kids notice emotions and comes with fun prizes, just in time for summer adventures!
Hi there!
Cars have feelings! Or at least some of them look like they do.
“Paredolia” is our tendency to see face in things. This idea is at the heart of my picture book, Moody Moody Cars, and it’s the inspiration for a fun, summer car-spotting photo challenge your family can enjoy while you're out and about.
How the Summer Car-Spotting Challenge Works
While you’re out and about this month, keep an eye out for a car that looks like it’s feeling something.
To participate:
Spot a Moody Moody Car.
Take a photo.
Share what emotion your child thinks the car is showing.
Submit your entry by JULY 31, 2025, here: Moody Moody Cars - Summer Car-Spotting Challenge Form
Yes, you can send in multiple entries! Once you know about Moody Moody Cars, you’re likely to see them everywhere!
Prizes! Prizes! Prizes!
Every family that participates in the Moody Moody Cars - Summer Car-Spotting Challenge will receive a downloadable activity booklet full of highly emotional Moody Moody Cars to label and a bonus activity from the Moody Moody Cars Parent Guide.
One dozen randomly selected participants will also receive a sticker showing a cool car in the mail.
And one lucky winner will get a signed copy of Moody Moody Cars, autographed by me.
Why emotion recognition matters
Kids get angry, sad, frustrated, nervous, happy, or embarrassed, but sometimes they don’t have the words to talk about how they’re feeling.
Understanding facial expressions of emotion is a foundational skill. In fact, one study found that children’s ability to interpret facial emotions at age five predicted how well they did, both socially and academically four years later. Another study found that elementary school children who are more skilled at decoding emotional faces also tend to be better liked by their peers. Research also shows that talking about feelings, practicing labeling them, and discussing their causes can help children increase their understanding of emotions in themselves and others.
The book Moody Moody Cars gives kids a playful and visual way to notice and talk about emotions, using something they may already enjoy: cool cars.
You do NOT have to purchase the book to participate in the Summer Car-Spotting Challenge, but in case you’re interested…
About the Book
Moody Moody Cars
By Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, & Michael Furman (Magination Press)
for ages 4–8
Classic automobiles express a range of feelings, from anger to excitement, to help kids learn to recognize, understand, and communicate about emotions.
“Not since Inside Out has a story about feelings felt so innovative.”
— Parents Magazine
The secret emotions of automobiles are revealed in a rhyming picture book about their many moods....The concept is clever, and the cars look great.... A fun concept well executed, this picture book feels like a joyride. - Kirkus
Awarded Children's Book Council Children's Favorite Awards, 2023
BUY IT NOW: Amazon B&N Bookshop
Already Own the Book?
Wonderful! You’re still welcome to join the Moody Moody Cars - Summer Car-Spotting Challenge.
And if you send in a proof of purchase (receipt or photo of your child holding the book, doesn’t have to include face), you’ll also receive access to the full Moody Moody Cars Parent Guide. It’s filled with easy, fun activities to help your child build emotional awareness.
Let’s Make This a Summer to Notice Feelings
This challenge is only open through July 31st, so I hope you’ll join in soon. It’s a simple and playful way to help your child practice important skills: recognizing and talking about feelings.
I can’t wait to see the cars and feelings you find!
Warm wishes,
Eileen
