Meet Franklin Bean

Meet Franklin Bean by Emmy Swain is a gentle, imaginative children’s story that blends real-life struggles with a touch of magic. At its core, the book explores how change (especially the kind that comes from hardship) can feel overwhelming, particularly through the eyes of a child.

John’s situation is immediately relatable: his mother loses her job, forcing them into a new home and unfamiliar surroundings. His fear, loneliness, and uncertainty are portrayed in a way that feels authentic without being too heavy for younger readers. This emotional grounding makes the story meaningful, giving children a safe way to process similar feelings.

The introduction of Franklin Bean, a small, talking dog with wisdom beyond his size, adds warmth and charm. Franklin acts as both a friend and a quiet guide, helping John navigate his new environment, make friends, and rebuild confidence. The detail that Franklin only speaks to children adds a playful sense of mystery, while reinforcing the theme of imagination as a source of comfort.

The subplot involving the mysterious superhero Pancho Frijoles adds intrigue and keeps young readers engaged. The unanswered question, whether Franklin Bean might secretly be this heroic figure, adds a layer of curiosity that encourages continued reading, especially since the book is part of a series.

Overall, the story succeeds because it balances heartfelt themes (like resilience, friendship, and adapting to change) with light fantasy and adventure. The tone stays uplifting, and the illustrations (as noted) likely enhance the accessibility and enjoyment for children.

This book is very and good and even addresses important issues. My kids always ask me to read it to them and want to know when the next adventure is coming.

I bought Meet Franklin Bean for my granddaughter, Charlotte and her friend Elinore. They had decided at age 8 to start a reader's book club but so far it is just the two of them. I still admire the spirit, don't you?

I read it and honestly was moved to find it was not just a children's book but one in which you can take lessons as an adult.

How many times do you read a story to kids where everything is absolutely perfect in their lives. I remember reading as a child and wondering why my life was different. There was good, of course, but not perfection, Leave it to Beaver style.

Meet Franklin Bean has a single mom, little money, and he is initally bullied by the kids in the new neighborhood.

Kids and Adults alike will remember it. Toss in a talking dog, a superhero mysteriously appearing when Franklin Bean isn't about and discussion of safety....and a hopefully a sequel soon as it leaves you wanting MORE :):)

The tale is intended for children but it’s a universal story about how weird it can be to move to a new place and meet new people, yet this weirdness can be coped with and make you stronger when you meet a special and amazing dog like Franklin Bean. Emmy has written a captivating and enlightening story, which is beautifully illustrated by Levi Whitworth. Looking forward to hearing more about John’s adventures with Franklin Bean. “Cool frijoles”

This is an amazing children's book! Great story for all to enjoy. I loved reading this story! I have read it to the children in my life and each time I read the book I enjoy it more. Can not wait to the second book! The author is a wonderful writer with a great imagination.

This book is available in paperback and on Kindle. I read and reviewed the Kindle version.

This children's book, by Emmy Swain, is about John, a young boy who has to move to a smaller house in a new, unknown area with his mother, after her loses her job and has to take a lesser paid one. John is scared, and feels isolated and alone. One day, he meets a small dog, who stops him from crossing a busy main road near his house to get to the beach. This dog is very friendly, his name is Franklin Bean...and he can talk. Franklin's human family couldn't look after him any longer, so now Franklin is homeless. John feels an immediate bond with the smart little dog and convinces his mum to give him a home. So now the two friends are together, and set out to explore John's new world....

Franklin does not talk in front of adults, but being a wise dog, he advises and steers John on the right path at all times, helping him to make friends, and teaching him to listen to his mother about his healthy eating and the right thing to do. The talking dog helps John to make some new friends, and they tentatively begin their new life together, with John's mum enrolling him at school....

Meantime a mysterious superhero called Pancho Frijoles, swoops into the small town and saves some fishermen from a ferocious storm, and then a little girl, Brianna, after she wanders off. John and his friends are in awe of this enigma and want to know more, all his little dog says is 'cool frijoles.'

Franklin Bean and Pancho are never seen together, could Franklin Bean BE Pancho?

Or is it Kirby, Franklin's little dog friend?

This is a delightful children's book and it is the first in a series of Franklin Bean books to be self-published by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and the charming illustrations and feel that the characters will appeal to children of a range of ages, with the exciting magical undertones and the issues of change, new life and 'fitting in' being woven into the story. One to look out for in the future....

I love this book! I look forward to the next one. Keep them coming, Emmy!

I love Franklin bean!! I can't wait for more!!!

Magical Dog Helps Transcend Today’s Tough Problems:

First of Franklin Bean Storybooks Enchants and Transforms Lives for Kids (and The Adults Who Love Them!)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Aug. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Get ready for a world of adventure with the beloved Boston Terrier whose magical powers come to life in the first of his superhero series, Meet Franklin Bean.

This new children’s book tells the story of how ten-year-old John transforms his worries over his mom’s lost job, their move to a new town, and making friends with the bullies at school with the influence and inspiration from his new adopted friend, Franklin Bean.

Talking only to children and concealing his secret identity, the young pup fulfills his mission to turn human tears into smiles by performing superhuman feats.

What else is magical, according to first-time author Emmy Swain, is the level of engagement the book is enjoying.

Feedback from Barnes&Noble.com http://bit.ly/qqeA12 confirms it’s not just kids who love Franklin Bean.

“My grandkids have ADHD and find Meet Franklin Bean riveting. Where he disappears to and what he’s up to next keeps them guessing.”

“We just read this book together … I’m not sure who loves it more—me, my daughter, or husband. Hysterical.”

“This could be one of those books you read over and over.”

Modeled after Swain’s own dog, Franklin Bean’s uncanny abilities come from good stock. Real-life dad Dale made news when he dug up an Indian Spearhead (circa 8,000 B.C.) in her backyard.

“Franklin Bean storybooks are created to be lean forward experiences, encouraging children to actively relate the characters’ situations to their real-world,” Swain says. “Intuitively, the words and illustrations reach into the readers’ imaginations, where real learning takes place. Choice allows them to craft their own story.

“That’s the beauty of Franklin Bean’s magic … new possibilities emerge.”

A portion of book sales goes to Operation Smile. [http://www.operationsmile.org]

Whose life will the adorable Franklin Bean touch next? Find out at www.FranklinBean.com