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
Fit
While reading this New York Times article last week, a turn of phrase caught my attention “one sad nod and head shake after another.” While it was referring to the book, The Age of Grievance, I found it ironic in that it perfectly captured my experience having just read the paper. Every story was one piece of sad or bad news after another. Even the Arts section, which I save for last, so I might end on a positive or inspiring note, was riddled with critics tearing apart various movies and plays.
I had long given up reading the daily newspaper or watching the evening news for this very reason. Instead only turning the pages of the weekend editions. Perhaps I should move on from those as well.
The paper’s slogan since 1897 is “All the news that’s fit to print” is missing the obvious qualifier of “bad” before the word “news.”
Earlier in the morning, I was walking through my town. Children were heading off to school where just a handful of the over three million teachers would greet them. In hospitals across the country, over a million doctors would be trying to save or heal lives, aided by almost five million nurses providing more comfort and care. Eight million more folks would go to work to build our homes, bridges, and roads. Another ten percent of our workforce will labor to make sure the other 90% of us have food in our kitchen or on our plate. Each of these and so many more live lives that produce good in the world. Each life creating “news that is fit to print.”
I am not diminishing the hardship, tragedy and trauma that exists all around us. Just to note that this is not the whole sum of us. As I sit and write this, I see five volunteers working on our library garden, overhearing one comment enthusiastically how the flowers “smell so good.” Earlier a young father was helping his young son learn to walk. Another person was going towards the train with his guitar bag in his car to go bring music to someone’s ears.
Every day, we print our own newspaper of sorts. Each thing we say, share or do, represents an article of faith we put out into the world that others see – whether we realize it or not. Our readers may be limited to our family, friends, or strangers we interact with, but they are the readers of our news nonetheless.
What news do you see fit to print on the pages of your life?
Recently, I interviewed Professor Mark Rank, who studies and writes about issues related to opportunity. During our conversation, he noted that “hope” is the essential ingredient that underpins the American Dream. I see this play out in my own students. Recently, I gave them the assignment to create a timeline for what they hoped or expected over the next 30 years. It was brimming with hope and positivity. Looking forward to rewarding careers, starting families and giving back to their communities.
Theirs is the news I want to hear and read.
So as you move about your life this week, consider the news you see all around you and the stories you create for the rest of the world to read.
May both create nods of gladness and head shakes that move up and down rather than side to side.
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:
Fit
While reading this New York Times article last week, a turn of phrase caught my attention “one sad nod and head shake after another.” While it was referring to the book, The Age of Grievance, I found it ironic in that it perfectly captured my experience having just read the paper. Every story was one piece of …
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.
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