Gutcheck Words & Music

Business Raccoon: The Forest’s Most Fearless Deal-Closer

Andy Gutman’s Business Raccoon is a bright, buoyant celebration of imagination, rhythm, and pure childhood delight. From the opening pages, where we learn “Who is in the trash every night?” and later discover “It’s Business Raccoon! Business Raccoon! Smartest creature on the sun, earth, and moon,” the book announces itself as a read-aloud built for smiles and repeat performances.

Gutman brings a unique blend of business savvy and creative heart to this story. A longtime president of a major real estate firm, he has also spent years writing songs and children’s books for his daughter and for classrooms across Michigan. That mix of discipline, whimsy, and genuine affection for kids shows on every page. The book’s playful rhymes, multilingual jokes, and winking references to taxes, calculators, and “college level classes” give young readers something to giggle at while adults enjoy the cleverness tucked between the lines.

What makes Business Raccoon especially endearing is the spirit behind it. Gutman wrote the original song years ago for his daughter, and after a difficult period of health challenges, he chose to bring this lighter, joyful project into the world. That intention shines through. The book feels like a gift from a father who understands that children need laughter, warmth, and a little silliness to balance out the big world around them.

With its rhythmic charm, expressive illustrations, and a hero who can close a deal and raid a trash can with equal confidence, Business Raccoon is a delightful addition to any child’s library. It’s a reminder that being smart, kind, and unapologetically yourself is always good business.

Perfect for ages 4-10.

Business Raccoon by Andy Gutman is the kind of children’s book that makes kids giggle and makes adults smile knowingly from the sidelines. From the very first page, this sharply dressed raccoon steals the show, proving that big ideas can come from unexpected places, including the trash can.

With playful rhymes and bold, colorful illustrations, Business Raccoon turns everyday concepts like numbers, problem-solving, and responsibility into laugh-out-loud fun. Kids will love following along as this confident critter balances work, play, and the occasional midnight snack, all while looking impressively sharp in a suit.

With rhythmic momentum and a lovable character who’s equal parts sharp and sweet, Business Raccoon is pure fun, the kind of story kids beg to hear again (and again).

What really makes this book shine is its rhythm and humor. The rhyming text begs to be read aloud, and the visual jokes keep young readers engaged from start to finish. It is silly without being sloppy, clever without being preachy, and entertaining without trying too hard.

Business Raccoon is a great pick for parents, grandparents, and educators who want a lighthearted story that encourages curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. It is the kind of book kids ask to hear again, and adults do not mind rereading.

Recommended age range: 3 to 7 years old

‘Sweet and softhearted’ – A Business Racoon to emulate – and enjoy!

Michigan author Andy Gutman, a successful businessman by day, extends his talents as a music composer, poet, and prolific author of children’s books, underscoring his mission to encourage empathy, kindness, trust, love, and optimism in his Gutcheck Books and Gutcheck Music. His books to date – FISH BOWL, WHAT CAN I DO TODAY?, EVEN, CHARLIE THE CATERPILLAR, STAND TALL, POP LULLABY, BE KIND, and now BUSINESS RACCOON.

Andy’s books for children often reference a caring father figure, and in this story the primary character is a businessman – BUSINESS RACCOON, a subtle nod to his own daytime role! Delivered in a delightful rhyming pattern with excellent illustrations, the raccoon is shared both in his animal traits as well as his style and mastery of contemporary business talents with computers, languages, numbers, stocks and relating to others. An aspect that encourages children to relate to this businessman cartoon character is his warmly sensitive traits as a friend, an entertainer, and other warmly ‘human characteristics.’ This is another fine book from a sensitive and caring author whose own role in business, operating with ethics and integrity, is enhanced by this tender and educational invitation for children to explore! Highly recommended

A Charming Children’s Read Along

In this charming children’s book, devoted father, businessman, and author Andy Gutman tells a fun and lighthearted story about a raccoon and his unique day-to-day life. The Business Raccoon leads an unconventional lifestyle, working hard in the business world during the day and getting into playful mischief at night. The story cleverly captures both sides of his personality, showing him diving through the trash and joking around after dark, then transforming into a polished professional in a fancy suit by day.

The illustrations on each page are colorful yet simple, making the book both engaging and calming for young readers. With just a sentence per page, the language is accessible and easy to follow. Older children can read it independently, while younger children will enjoy listening along and taking in the visuals. Gutman even created a sing-along to accompany the book, encouraging children to engage with the story in a fun, interactive way. This balance makes the book appealing to a wide range of ages.

What truly sets this book apart is the heart behind it. As a father, Andy Gutman creates stories that emphasize kindness, love, and creativity. These values are also present in his other works, including What Can I Be Today, Be Kind, and Even. Business Raccoon is inspired by Gutman’s own life as a businessman by day and a creative dreamer by night. This personal connection adds depth to the story and encourages children to embrace all parts of themselves without feeling confined to just one path.

Through the creative and imaginative message, it’s clear this book was written with genuine love and care. Business Raccoon is a delightful and fun read that all parents, grandparents, caregivers, and educators will be eager to share with the children in their lives.

Suit Up for Smiles: a Playful Sing-Along Adventure Kids Will Love

Andy Gutman’s clever business book for kids, Business Raccoon is a lighthearted and imaginative story that blends the grown-up world of business with the playful antics of a lovable raccoon. It is a great addition to any young child’s library as it is entertaining and surprisingly meaningful.

The rhythmic, catchy writing draws kids in, and the concept of a raccoon wearing a suit who can “close a deal and raid a trash can” is endlessly amusing! Something that really makes the book stand out is the original sing-along song: “It’s Business Raccoon! Business Raccoon! Smartest creature on the sun, earth, and moon!” Children will want to revisit the book repeatedly just to sing the song.

The colorful and expressive illustrations bring Business Raccoon to life, perfectly capturing his personality and heart. Beyond the fun, the story subtly reinforces themes of kindness, imagination, and joy– values that Gutman consistently weaves across his work including Charlie the Caterpillar and Be Kind. Gutman has a knack for writing children’s books with an extra layer of warmth and authenticity, showing he truly cares about filling their childhood with happiness.

Overall, Business Raccoon is fun, memorable, and full of character! It’s a creative, uplifting, and highly engaging story that both kids and parents will love.

My favorite kind of picture book: clever enough for adults, playful for kids. The chorus is impossible not to chant and the ‘trash-to-treasure’ raccoon hero is an instant bedtime favorite.

A lively read-aloud that turns ‘business’ into pure play, catchy rhyme, bright visuals, and kid-friendly humor that sparks early number sense, language curiosity, and big imagination.

All of Andy’s stories emphasize the importance of love and kindness and encourage imagination. Business Raccoon is no exception, from its witty lines, inspiring characterization, and eye-catching illustrations!

Business Raccoon is joyful, clever, and irresistibly fun, a book that celebrates curiosity, confidence, and being delightfully yourself. With playful rhyme and a lovable hero, Andy Gutman delivers a story kids will want to read again and again.

Sweet, softhearted, and wonderfully entertaining, a delightful rhyming picture book with excellent illustrations that invites children to explore numbers, languages, and the fun of learning.