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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Fun
“It will be a fun day if we let it.” These were the words of wisdom I overheard a young mom share with her two toddlers during our recent trip to Disney World.
On one level it might seem as if having fun at Disney didn’t require a pep talk. On the other, as evidenced by the number of meltdowns you see throughout the day, it is clearly not automatic.
What struck me about the Mom’s admonition was how consistent it was with most people who were not only visiting the park but working there. Everyone seemed to be doing their absolute best to create a good time for themselves and for others. Did they always succeed? Of course not. Hot days, long waits and tired children make for a nasty cocktail of emotions. Yet the effort was still there. It can be seen in the desire to remove as much friction as possible. To say yes, was the default response to any request.
In the wonderful world of Disney, perhaps the most wonderful thing of all is watching people just trying to be their best. People are just friendier and supportive of each other.
We suspend the overt commercialism and exorbitant costs, the stresses that await us when we get home, and just try to have fun. To be happy. To steal a few wonderful memories that could last a lifetime separated from the chaos that abounds all around us People in the words of one famous Disney princess are just trying to “let it go.”
Of course, we don’t need to escape to Disney to let go of more things. We don’t need rollercoasters to have fun. We can do our best to enjoy the rides of everyday life – if we let it.
This metaphor is reminiscent of the movie Parenthood, where a family is struggling to let go of the daily stressors and enjoy the good, bad and scary moments of their lives. In this moving scene, the grandmother reminds her adult grandson of this. Planting the seed for this climatic moment where we see amidst the chaos of a play gone wrong he stops worrying about his child and instead embraces the hilarity of the ride.
It was a fun experience, because he let it.
May you let yourself have more fun this week.
This Week’s Recommendation: Shortly after you read this, I’ll be hosting our second annual Social Mobility Lab Summit at City College of New York. It will be livestreamed if you want to pop in any time from 11:00AM-2:30, Monday April 13th.. If you register, you will get the livestream link and also a recording if you can’t make it during this window. Hope you can check some of it out.
Share this email with someone who could use a little fun this week.
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:
Fun
“It will be a fun day if we let it.” These were the words of wisdom I overheard a young mom share with her two toddlers during our recent trip to Disney World. On one level it might seem as if having fun at Disney didn’t require a pep talk. On the other, as evidenced …
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.