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:
What is Your American Dream Score
Newsletter
Mountains
This was a particularly rocky week. Numerous curveballs and conflicts threw me off my game. One particularly challenging morning saw four major stressful situations arise before I had my first sip of coffee. Yet on that day and on every other, I managed to compartmentalize those conflicts, accept life’s inherent unfairness and unpredictability and have a semblance of a good day anyway.
I was in part inspired by a Haitian proverb that I had just read in this book by Oliver Burkeman. It goes, “Beyond the mountains, more mountains.” It is part of a chapter titled Develop a taste for problems: On never reaching the trouble-free phase that struck a chord with me.
Consider this. The Boston Red Sox ripped my heart out all throughout my youth. Then as an adult they won four championships in a span of fourteen years. I have a file filled with rejection letters from publishers but have published four books. I have voted in ten presidential elections. Five times the candidate I supported won. Five times they lost. I have generally been blessed with good health but have on numerous occasions been knocked on my ass or had a significant health scare. I have made new friends while also having dear friends I’ve know for decades die. Financially I have done pretty well but have had months or stretches of times that were touch and go. I have had gut-wrenching arguments with almost everyone I have ever loved, but way more moments of extreme joy with them. I have generally been a pretty happy person but have had bouts of anxiety or stress that have lasted hours, days, or weeks at a time. And so on and so on.
I’m not sure there is anything such as a “trouble-free” life. There are trouble free days, maybe even weeks or longer. But inevitably problems arise. Some born from our own decisions, while others caused by the vagaries of the outside world.
Acknowledging that “beyond mountains there are more mountains” provides some long-term perspective and short-term advice. In the long-term it reminds us that there is always something potentially out there that will be difficult for us to face, something that perhaps induces dread when we come to it; feeling like an insurmountable climb. Yet, in the short-term, it tells us that we have climbed similar mountains before. That we are capable of doing hard things. It also suggests that when we do reach any of life’s mountain tops, we should enjoy the view and find confidence in our ability to climb. Perhaps most of all, try to enjoy the walk both on the way up and on the way down the best we can.
Knowing that in the wise words sung by Anna in Frozen 2, the only thing we can ever do, is the “next right thing.” One action, one step at a time.
Recommendation of the Week: Burkeman’s book has an awful title, Meditation for Mortals, but its subtitle more accurately speaks to some wisdom you’ll find within its pages, “Four Weeks to Embrace your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts.” Worth a read.
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:
Mountains
This was a particularly rocky week. Numerous curveballs and conflicts threw me off my game. One particularly challenging morning saw four major stressful situations arise before I had my first sip of coffee. Yet on that day and on every other, I managed to compartmentalize those conflicts, accept life’s inherent unfairness and unpredictability and have …
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 29: Random w/ Mark Rank
Mark R. Rank is recognized as a foremost expert on issues of poverty, inequality and social justice. To date he has written 10 books on a range of subjects, including an exploration of the American Dream and a new understanding of poverty and inequality. In this episode, I talk to Mark about his latest book, The Random Factor which looks at the role of luck and chance in shaping the course of our lives. It was a fascinating discussion, one I was lucky to have. I hope you enjoy.
Show Links: