When 10-year-old John's mom loses her job and the family has to move to a new place John's never seen before, he's understandably worried.  When he meets a magical Boston terrier named Franklin Bean, though, his uncertainty gives way to inspiration as they experience all sorts of adventures and John's fears begins to melt away.

So goes the story of Meet Franklin Bean, a children's book written and published by Emmy Swain, who herself sought comfort in the company of her pets during her younger years to help her deal with bullies.  Now, as a single mother and self-published author, she's tackling an ever-present issue families face in today's economy and channeling those childhood comforts into a fantastic tale of friendship and hope.

In doing so, Swain has partnered with Operation Smile to donate $1 per book sold to the global non-profit known for its work with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

Since its founding in 1982, Operation Smile has provided more than 2 million evaluations and performed more than 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults, restoring smiles around the globe through the work of volunteer medical professionals.

Meet Franklin Bean is available for $9.95 at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Better World Books.