Three Little Engines (The Little Engine That Could)

A gorgeously illustrated, modern retelling of the classic The Little Engine That Could, sharing the timely message that everyone's journey is different, and that sometimes, success comes from a helping hand.

Graduation day is finally here! The Little Blue Engine, the Yellow Passenger Engine, and the Red Freight Engine are excited to take their final test of Engine School: making their first solo trip over the mountain. But each engine encounters different challenges and obstacles on their journey. Gorgeous illustrations by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson combine with a poignant story told by Bob McKinnon to remind a new generation of readers to "think they can."

Bob McKinnon is author of the New York Times best seller, Three Little Engines and host of Attribution, a PBS podcast on success and gratitude. He lives in a small village north of New York City, near a train station with his wife, dog and three daughters. He writes and teaches about issues related to the American Dream and directs a nonprofit whose mission is to inspire people of all ages to reflect on who and what has helped them along the way. Learn more about his work and his own journey “over the mountain” at www.movingupusa.com.


Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson have illustrated more than fifty books together. A versatile artistic team, they enjoy discovering the perfect style for a variety of texts. Among their books are My Many Colored Days, by Dr. Seuss; Shh! Bears Sleeping, by David Martin; A Poem for Peter, by Andrea Davis Pinkney; and The Salamander Room, by Anne Mazer. The classic book, The Little Engine That Could, is a favorite from their childhoods--and as adults, "I think I can," is a daily mantra. They live in northern California.