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
Attention
Pay. Give. Hold. Demand. Undivided, Limited. Deficit.
All words associated with our attention. Often parts of phrases clamoring to receive some amount of it. The words have an air of desperation to them. Presumably underscoring how difficult a task it is to receive it for any length of time.
The poet, Mary Oliver, wrote frequently of our attention. Imploring us to pay more attention to the natural world around us. On separate occasions, she wrote: “To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work,” and “Instructions for living a life: Pay Attention. Be Astonished. Tell about it.”
As you’re reading this and indeed as I’m writing this, we may feel the tug of attention’s opposite – distraction – siren call. An invitation with the promise of something better, newer, different.
Resist.
Our attention is our currency. It is a reflection of what we care about – whether conscious or not. If we fail to pay attention to those we love, that love atrophies. If we deny our attention to the world around us, we will not take care of it and it will fall in disrepair. If we elect not to pay attention to our own thoughts and actions, then we wander aimlessly failing to notice the patterns in our lives that shape our feelings and relationships.
But attention should not be seen simply as what’s lost when we don’t give it but what can be gained when we do.
When we give our attention deeply, we love deeply. We care deeply. We see deeply. We act deeply.
A deeper life starts with being more intentional with our attention – which is not particularly easy in an age of such easy distraction and chaos. It requires us to listen more and talk less. To lift our heads up, instead of always looking down. To quiet our minds, instead of raising our voices. To observe more and yes, do less.
All of which is easier to write than to do.
This week, try to give your attention some attention. Notice what you’re noticing. When you look up, what do you really, really see? Align your attention to your values.
Then in the words of Oliver, be astonished and tell about it.
Recommendation for the Week. My latest episode of Attribution has just been released. It features my conversation with Jennifer Wallace, author of Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic. It’s a really important conversation – especially for parents and educators – and I hope you’ll have a listen.
If I still have your attention, I hope you’ll share this with someone you want to share more attention to in your life.
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:
Attention
Pay. Give. Hold. Demand. Undivided, Limited. Deficit. All words associated with our attention. Often parts of phrases clamoring to receive some amount of it. The words have an air of desperation to them. Presumably underscoring how difficult a task it is to receive it for any length of time. The poet, Mary Oliver, wrote frequently …
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: