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
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Emerson once wrote that ‘In every work of genius, we recognize our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty.”
With this definition in mind, songwriters are a particular type of genius creators. With a melody and relatively few words (usually between 100-300), the best have a rare ability to sing to us as if the words were moving from our own minds to mouths.
As most people who I’ve ever shared a home with will attest to, when I find a songwriter who speaks to me, I wear them out. Listening to their music repeatedly, leaning into each word. Blasting it in my ears, my house, my car until not only do I know most of the lyrics but so does anyone living with me.
Recent lyricist binges have included Joy Oladukun, Noah Kahan, Zach Bryan and Jelly Roll.
When I first heard of Jelly, I dismissed him and his music. His name was ridiculous to me – not realizing that it was a term of endearment from his mother – reflecting his habit of having a jelly donut after church every Sunday. I couldn’t understand why someone would have that many tattoos, including multiple face tats.Then I learned that he got his first tattoo at 14 in memory of a friend who died of AIDS. The teardrop on his face represents his time in jail, the cross on his face, a hopeful act of redemption.
I was judging the book by the cover. When I saw him speak for the first time, he was a guest judge on American Idol. He was kind and compassionate to the contestants and his advice was spot on. More than anything you could see the joy he felt in helping others.
It wasn’t until last week that I had listened to any of his music in earnest, when I heard him on Saturday Night Live. In one song, referencing his first trip to rehab, he sings, ‘Everybody here’s felt the same defeat / Nobody walks through these doors on a winning streak.’ Fifteen words packing a powerful punch.
So that sent me down the Jelly Roll rabbit hole on Spotify the next day. It was during a particularly difficult week, when I listened to his song, “I’m Not Okay.” It broke me.
It is a song of sadness (“I am not okay/I’m barely getting by”), struggle (“I’m hanging on the rails/So if I say I’m fine/Just know I learned to hide it well.”), community (“I know, I can’t be the only one, Who’s holding on for dear life,”) and ultimately hope (“When it’s all said and done, I’m not okay, But it’s all gonna be alright.”)
Alienated majesty indeed.
Song after song similarly resonated with me, each for a different reason. Music’s ability to connect us to others and ourselves is unique and remarkable.
He refers to the invaluable role that music has played in his life and what he hopes his music does for others in this interview. Saying “I’m constantly writing songs to show people that it’s OK to be a work in progress… Music was always there to give me a hug. So I just want to do that for people.”
Thanks Jelly for the hug. It is all going to be alright.
Recommendation for the week: Listen to “I’m Not Okay.”
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:
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Emerson once wrote that ‘In every work of genius, we recognize our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty.” With this definition in mind, songwriters are a particular type of genius creators. With a melody and relatively few words (usually between 100-300), the best have a rare ability to …
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.
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