Children’s Author Andy Gutman Seeks More Than Readers, As Kidney Could Save His Life
(Lara Mossa, Aug. 3, 2026)
Novi, MI – Andy Gutman has some health issues, but that’s not keeping him down. Even though he has dialysis three days a week, that’s not stopping him from writing children’s books that instill kindness.
Diagnosed in February of 2025 with renal kidney failure, Gutman, of Novi, has been on a kidney transplant list with Henry Ford Hospital for the last 60 days. While he went through a series of surgeries and tests including triple by-pass surgery, he continued writing children’s books.
Gutman has been writing since he was a kid: poems and songs and stories. The president of The Farbman Group, based in Farmington Hills, he has published 11 children’s books, each one accompanied with a song.
“There’s so much that I want to accomplish still in life,” Gutman said. “I’m driven now more than I ever was.”
His books have been published for about 10 years and his latest is called “Business Raccoon.” It’s the story of a lovely raccoon that is a real go-getter, he described, and beloved by everyone. He does people’s taxes and is a great business person, he added, but hangs out by the garbage every night to get a snack.
“It’s really about being able to accomplish anything in life if you put your mind to it,” he said. The book is for all ages including adults but is initially intended for children up to 10 years old, he said. “This is for anyone who has a dream.”
Although Gutman doesn’t sing or play an instrument, all his books are accompanied by songs. Available on all streaming services, people can sing along with the books. He teams up with a singer, instrumentalist and beat maker along with a graphic artist to complete the stories. “I love the idea that we can help teach children lessons about life,” he said.
“Kids are forced to grow up too quickly and see the harshness of the world,” he said. “I like to think that my books help them see the good and be part of the good in the world.”
Besides writing his own books, Gutman has worked with two nonprofit organizations to help young children publish stories: Beechview Elementary in Farmington and Brilliant Detroit, which started in Detroit and works with students in urban areas.
One of his favorite books published is Even, done in 2018, for his 22-year-old daughter Rylee. “I spend a lot of time with my daughter,” he said. “That’s the best thing in my life. That’s where my time goes.”
Between working and writing, he goes to dialysis, but he fights the nausea, fatigue, cramps and pain to continue being productive. “I live every day with no complaints,” he said.
Gutman is in search of a living kidney donor.
He might be saved by someone on the donation registry after their death, though a kidney from a living donor is more likely to last the longest. Anyone willing to be a donor can reach out to the hospital to undergo tests to see if they are a match.
According to the Henry Ford Health website, “The rewards of living kidney donation are many, while the risks are few. Recipients have a better chance of a successful transplant when the kidney comes from a living donor. Donors can help someone in need while continuing to lead full, productive lives with one kidney.” To sign up to be tested, visit https://www.henryford.com/services/transplant/kidney/living-donor
Check out Gutman’s books online at https://www.gutcheckbooks.com/books
