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
Hospice
Years ago, I was at my grandmother’s bedside during her final days. There I joined my mother, aunt and uncles. We were joined intermittently by a hospice worker – whose name I regrettably don’t remember.
The hospice worker was full of compassion, grace, patience and kindness. It would not be a stretch to suggest that she was even saintly.
Within the last month alone, I’ve spoken to three friends who have also been in the presence of a hospice worker and their impressions are remarkably similar.
Hospice comes from the Latin word meaning “guest” or “host.” Originally hospices were a place. Religious guest houses that were often located within inhospitable conditions like the Alps, where weary travelers would find respite. Eventually they evolved into places for the sick and dying and then an entire field of palliative care.
In talking with a friend recently, we spoke of the lessons hospice workers offer to the living. Among their greatest gifts is simply their presence. Sitting quietly, keeping still, ready to offer care or comfort – not only to the patient but the family whenever needed.
My friend said it ignited an urge in her to just pull her loved ones close. The idea being that life is indeed too short to wait for their company until we are on our death bed.
It is a sad or perhaps even morbid thought exercise to imagine who will be by our bedside when our days are numbered or conversely to whose bedside we will rush to when called — without question or a moment’s hesitation.
It begs the question, why wait until our time is so limited to gather by each other’s side?
It is an unfortunate reality that we often push away those who are closest to us. Resist that urge. Pull them in. Offer grace instead and consider following the example of hospice workers – who not only show the way to “crossover” but to come together.
This Week’s Recommendation: Getting coffee earlier today, I heard this earthy rendition of “I dreamed a dream” from Les Miserables. It doesn’t have the emotional heft of the original, but this stripped down version is fresh and accessible. If you enjoy new takes on old standards check it out.
Consider sharing this with someone who could use someone by their side now.
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:
Hospice
Years ago, I was at my grandmother’s bedside during her final days. There I joined my mother, aunt and uncles. We were joined intermittently by a hospice worker – whose name I regrettably don’t remember. The hospice worker was full of compassion, grace, patience and kindness. It would not be a stretch to suggest that …
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.