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.
Bob McKinnon
This website features the work of Bob McKinnon. He is a writer, designer, podcast host, children’s author and teacher. What unites all of his work is the desire to help others move up in life – just as others have helped him. Learn more about Bob and his work in the About section of this website.
Three Little Engines
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:
See “The life lessons of Three Little Engines” featured on CBS Sunday Morning
What is Your American Dream Score
Blog
Supporting…
Twice I sat in my bedroom chair and wept.
Spaced over the course of a week both instances involved a question of support. In the first instance, I was overwhelmed by offers of assistance when my wife was unexpectedly hospitalized for almost a week. Friends reaching out to see if we were ok, needed anything, just to say they were here for us. One brought over dinner, another bought us a week of groceries.
I have always been moved by the kindness of others, so my tears were of no surprise. While the uncertainty of my wife’s diagnosis weighed me down, the certainty of support lifted me up.
My wife is feeling better and while we’re still looking to get to the bottom of what landed her in the hospital, we are optimistic. We are so grateful and blown away by the support we received.
The second instance was a surprise text I received from the mother of one of the girls on my youngest daughter’s soccer team – which I coach. I don’t know the mother well but her daughter is an absolute joy to coach. A wonderful player, always positive and just so, so sweet.
The text was sent to all of the parents on the team. It was a simple and graceful request for support. The mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer, requiring surgery, chemotherapy and a very long road to recovery. As a single mom her work and family finances will be dramatically affected by her illness. Friends and family have started a crowdfunding campaign to assist the family during this time.
I’m sharing this story with permission and with hope — that by doing so they might receive the support they needs.
I sometimes get, and always appreciate, requests from readers asking how they can support the work I do. Well this is it.
As a young boy, my own single mom was diagnosed with cancer. We were forced for some time to be separated from her. It was an awful and scarring experience for my brother, sister and I. We struggled financially and emotionally for some time. Fortunately, she recovered and is still with us. Yet the memory of that time still haunts me.
It is with that context that this text hit me like a punch. When I clicked on the crowdfunding link, a picture of the two of them was both beautiful and painful to witness – a reminder of what support looks like and what is at stake.
Thank you for any support you can offer.
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:
Supporting…
Twice I sat in my bedroom chair and wept.
Spaced over the course of a week both instances involved a question of support. In the first instance, I was overwhelmed by offers of assistance when my wife was unexpectedly hospitalized for almost a week. Friends reaching out to see if we were ok, needed anything, just to say they were here for us. One brought over dinner, another bought us a week of groceries.
I have always been moved by the kindness of others, so my tears were of no surprise. While the uncertainty of my wife’s diagnosis weighed me down, the certainty of support lifted me up.
My wife is feeling better and while we’re still looking to get to the bottom of what landed her in the hospital, we are optimistic. We are so grateful and blown away by the support we received.
The second instance was a surprise text I received from the mother of one of the girls on my youngest daughter’s soccer team – which I coach. I don’t know the mother well but her daughter is an absolute joy to coach. A wonderful player, always positive and just so, so sweet.
The text was sent to all of the parents on the team. It was a simple and graceful request for support. The mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer, requiring surgery, chemotherapy and a very long road to recovery. As a single mom her work and family finances will be dramatically affected by her illness. Friends and family have started a crowdfunding campaign to assist the family during this time.
I’m sharing this story with permission and with hope — that by doing so they might receive the support they needs.
I sometimes get, and always appreciate, requests from readers asking how they can support the work I do. Well this is it.
As a young boy, my own single mom was diagnosed with cancer. We were forced for some time to be separated from her. It was an awful and scarring experience for my brother, sister and I. We struggled financially and emotionally for some time. Fortunately, she recovered and is still with us. Yet the memory of that time still haunts me.
It is with that context that this text hit me like a punch. When I clicked on the crowdfunding link, a picture of the two of them was both beautiful and painful to witness – a reminder of what support looks like and what is at stake.
Thank you for any support you can offer.
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 21: Living in the Light with Deepak Chopra
For the last thirty years, Dr. Deepak Chopra has been at the forefront of the meditation revolution. His 93rd book, Living in the Light written with Sarah Platt-Fingerwith, taps into the ancient Indian practice of Royal Yoga and offers an illuminating program for self-realization, bliss, and wholeness. TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as “one of their top 100 most influential people.” In our conversation we talk about this juxtaposition of “being vs. doing,” our journeys to self-realization and what it means to live in the light. While we discussed some heady stuff, it was a free-flowing and down to earth conversation. One I hope you find enlightening.
Links to learn more about: Deepak Chopra, Living in the Light