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
Novel
These are a few things I’ve learned this week:
- King George III spent a considerable amount of time in a straightjacket to treat his mental condition. Beyond limiting self-harm, it was also designed to provide calm in the form of a self-hug.
- The asphalt road covering that is sometimes referred to as macadam was named after John Louden MacAdam whose innovation helped spur the industrial revolution as it made road transportation more reliable and efficient.
- Situational agency refers to practices that reduce our need for willpower by changing our environment to make desired actions easier – like putting out your workout clothes at night so they’re waiting for you to start your morning workout.
- There is a procedure to stop bleeding in your chest where your lung is twisted 180 degrees called the pulmonary hilum twist.
- The term jerry-rigged used to describe a makeshift solution was originally called, jury-rigged – which is a nautical not judicial reference.
- Speaking of which, 3% of judges are 90 years and older. Another 13% are between 80-90%
- On some maps, Greenland will appear to be larger than the U.S but in fact the U.S. is four and half times larger.
This group of novel facts are unrelated except that I stumbled upon them all this past week.
They came to me via a PBS documentary, my daughter’s homework assignment, reading the newspaper, watching the HBO drama The Pitt, perusing a magazine, and looking at a map.
While none of them involved me stepping into a formal classroom, the “course work” covered would have included, European History, Engineering, Psychology, Linguistics, Criminal Justice and Cartography.
The reaction each solicited in me ranged from “hmm”, “really?” “who knew”, “how cool” and “wow.” Reactions that one would hope students of all ages in schools experience numerous times each day.
The benefits of being exposed to novel information and ideas is well documented. In the short term it triggers our brain’s reward system sending us a dopamine hit. In the long-term it builds neural plasticity, improving our memory and brain function.
Exposure to novel information doesn’t require a ton of effort, just an openness to expose ourselves to different sources of information.
As someone who loves me some dopamine, let me know some novel information you’ve stumbled on this week. Just send me a note or better yet, leave a comment. You’ll be doing myself and fellow readers a big favor to jump start our weeks.
This Week’s Recommendation. Zach Bryan dropped a new album this week, With Heaven on Top. It opens with a powerful spoken word poem called Down, Down Stream (you read that right). Other early favorites are Bad News and Cannonball. I listened to it as I used to listen to albums in my younger days. One sitting, headphones on, eyes closed. Check it out.
Consider sharing this or other novel information with someone who could use a pick me up.
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:
Novel
These are a few things I’ve learned this week: King George III spent a considerable amount of time in a straightjacket to treat his mental condition. Beyond limiting self-harm, it was also designed to provide calm in the form of a self-hug. The asphalt road covering that is sometimes referred to as macadam was …
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.