From Bob McKinnon comes this modern retelling of the beloved classic, Little Engine that Could, that asks young readers, “How does your journey differ from others?” It also serves as a thank you letter to all the parents, teachers, role models, and even strangers, who help to clear the storm or pull the tree trunk from their track.
Available in your favorite bookstores.
Have you ever asked yourself this question? Or wondered why your life turned differently than you expected or from others you know. On this site, you’ll find tools, writing and podcast episodes that explores this question and others. Watch Bob’s TEDx talk to learn about his journey and the science behind how we see our lives and those of others.
Children’s Books
I think I can, I think I can, I think I… can’t? What’s an Engine to do when even believing in yourself won’t get you to the top of the mountain? In this modern retelling of the beloved The Little Engine That Could, The Little Blue Engine and her friends attempt to reach the town on the other side of the mountain, but they quickly realize that not every engine is on the same track, and they all face different obstacles in their journey. In Three Little Engines author Bob McKinnon asks young readers: How does your journey differ from others?
While paying homage to the beloved classic, author Bob McKinnon acknowledges that although positive thinking and confidence are important, they are not always enough to help you succeed. In many instances, success requires a helping hand. This book is a gentle introduction to the idea of socioeconomic mobility and inequality in America. Heavily inspired by his own experiences, McKinnon teaches the youngest of readers how to recognize opportunity and inequality in the American Dream, and, most importantly, how to extend a helping hand to those on different tracks of life. At its heart, Three Little Engines is a thank you letter to all the parents, teachers, role models, and even strangers, who help to clear the storm or pull the tree trunk from your track.
Three Little Engines is now a New York Times best seller! Order your copy today from your favorite online bookseller or your local bookstore:
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Newsletter
Meaningful
A few weeks ago, I was watching TV with my youngest daughter. A commercial came on for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. At the end, they asked for a recommended donation of $20 a month to support a child struggling with cancer. My daughter matter-of-factly asked me if we already support one of their patients. I told her we don’t but that we sponsor four other children through different organizations and have been sponsoring kids since before she was born.
She was unimpressed, saying: “That’s great but can’t we support this one too?” I shrugged it off at that moment but realizing she was right, signed up the next day.
A few days later during Climate Week, the same daughter scolded me when she asked in an accusatory tone, “Well what are you doing to help the planet?” My response was unsatisfactory to her.
There are no shortage of ways in which we can help address the various causes or issues around us. It is in fact the abundance of issues and choices that sometimes leads to paralysis.
Where do you start? How do you choose? Will it even make a difference? All reasonable questions.
During that same week, I stumbled upon an interesting phrase someone used to describe the impact they hope to make in the world – “Meaningful not massive.”
Twenty dollars a month from one person isn’t going to cure cancer but according to St. Jude it could have a meaningful impact for a single family.
It reminded me of another quote from the humanitarian Arthur Ashe when responding to a question of how we can begin to make a dent in all the world’s issues. He said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
It is an odd conundrum knowing that our individual efforts are by themselves insufficient. Yet that is a poor reason for doing nothing and is in fact a self-fulfilling prophecy
Meaningful impact does not require scale. Just action.
Recommendation of the Week: Kate Marvel’s new book, Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet is wonderful. It is sad, frustrating, hopeful and many other emotions at the same time. So worth the read to better understand what is happening to our planet and what is possible.
Consider sharing this with a friend; encouraging them to take a single meaningful action.
Monday Morning Notes
Delivered to your mailbox each Monday morning, these short notes offer an opportunity each week to reflect on who and what contributes to where we end up in life. Readers tell us it’s a great way to start their week on a positive note. See the latest note below:
Meaningful
A few weeks ago, I was watching TV with my youngest daughter. A commercial came on for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. At the end, they asked for a recommended donation of $20 a month to support a child struggling with cancer. My daughter matter-of-factly asked me if we already support one of their patients. …
Attribution with Bob McKinnon
Attribution is a podcast, where people from all walks of life, reflect on who and what has contributed to where they ended up. Our hope is after each episode, you feel a little more inspired, grateful, or supported, then when you first hit play. Check out the latest episode below:
Episode 35: Class Matters w/ Richard Kahlenberg
Richard D. Kahlenberg is an education and housing policy researcher, writer, consultant, and speaker. He is also Director of Housing Policy and Director of the American Identity Project at the Progressive Policy Institute. The author or editor of 19 books, his latest is Class Matters: The Fight to Get Beyond Race Preferences, Reduce Inequality, and Build Real Diversity at America’s Colleges. This was a deep and challenging conversation about class, race, higher education, affirmative action and social mobility.