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
Eden
A wise friend recently reminded me of the absurdity of the Garden of Eden story. Two people are in paradise. They have a bounty of food, are surrounded by endless beauty, and perhaps most importantly, have the companionship and love of one another. And yet, it is not enough.
It is an apt metaphor for the state we often find ourselves in today. Most of us are blessed to have enough of what we need – someone who loves us, food on the table and more than enough beauty in the world to go around. Still we constantly seek more and better things. Tempted by the idea that there is a better version of ourselves or our lives ready to be plucked off the nearest tree. Feverishly trying to live on this hedonic treadmill where the only satisfaction is fleeting.
Lest you think this is only about material possession, a similar point was made in a more recent book, The Emperor of Gladness. The main characters all work in a fast food restaurant, in a New England town that most would describe as a “dead end” – just as their lives appear to be. One character, an elderly woman suffering from Alzheimer’s says in a moment of clarity, “People don’t know what’s enough, Labas. That’s their problem. They think they suffer, but they’re really just bored.”
Even in destitute Gladness a version of Eden exists. They have the companionship of each other. They are surrounded by plenty of food to eat. And, as the book demonstrates, there is so much beauty both around, between and within them.
Imagine a day where you acted in pure contentment with what is around you. You don’t seek out anything new. Don’t envision anything better. You don’t go online in search of anything. You don’t spend a minute thinking about tomorrow or yesterday. There is no more – only this: You enjoy the day with someone you love. Eat a few good meals. Taking in the beauty around, between and within you. Enjoying their companionship with your complete presence.
I would guess it might be uncomfortable at first. Temptation would be all around you. Eventually though it would begin to feel natural and calming.
Sounds like a wonderful day. String a bunch together and it sounds like an even more wonderful life.
Recommendation of the Week: No recommendations to do, watch, read anything new this week. Just enjoy your Eden.
Consider sharing this with someone who you’d like to share Eden with.
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:
Eden
A wise friend recently reminded me of the absurdity of the Garden of Eden story. Two people are in paradise. They have a bounty of food, are surrounded by endless beauty, and perhaps most importantly, have the companionship and love of one another. And yet, it is not enough. It is an apt metaphor for …
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.