Never Buy a Raccoon at a Gas Station: Life Lessons for Children of All Ages

by Beth Detjens, William Quirk (Editor)

One of my favorite pets growing up was a raccoon named Bandit. He wasn't by any stretch a traditional pet, but he was by far the most entertaining. The lessons that accompany these stories aren't particularly deep, but the simple truths that I learned from our life with Bandit have served our family well. You might shake your head and wonder how and why our family had a pet raccoon. The short answer ... my eccentric, animal-loving dad, and my incredibly kind and gracious mom. Perhaps the most amazing part is that every story you'll read here actually happened—unbelievably, often unfortunately—it all happened. May you enjoy reading these stories as much as my family enjoyed living them.

Genres: Nonfiction

104 pages, Paperback

Published January 17, 2019

Reviews

[Debra Slonek]

In this fun book, the author shared memories and stories from her unusual childhood. You see, Beth’s family made a conscious effort to share their lives and their home with many of God’s creatures. One of their most memorable houseguests was a raccoon, aptly named Bandit.

I learned much about raccoons and their behaviors. Bandit was adorable, loveable and hilarious. He was an intentional mischief maker extraordinaire! He was an exceptional prankster with a huge sense of humor.

I loved reading about the dynamics of Bandit’s human family. The parents were so very present with their children. They valued both quality and quantity of time spent with one another. They were adventurous, loved critters of all sorts and they loved to laugh, one of my favorite things to do.

All in all, a very entertaining and fun read.

[Teresa]

I’m not sure where I found this book. I do know what drew me to it. My husband and I had a pet raccoon when we were first married, and I thought we might have some similar experiences to what the family in the book did. Yes, we did. Would I recommend this book, not really, but a fun book to read and not a bad way to start off 2021.

[Houdini NFO]

Entertaining, though not as much as I had hoped. Less uniqueness to the stories as I had imagined. Same raccoon antics at different locations. Last story was heartwarming, though.

[Jennifer]

Cute, especially for much younger readers.

[Salomé Esteves]

It was fun, easy and doable in one sitting. Just what I needed at the moment.

[Audiobook Accomplice (Gillian)]

Okay so, like, do NOT try this at home…!
My Full Review

[Greta Ernst]

I enjoy short stories, and sometimes short essays can be just as good. This was a quick and easy read with some humor. A good slice of life book.

[Kathi Olsen]

A fun quick read that is appropriate for many ages especially people who love animals

[mary]

My grown intellectually challenged daughter read this book and loved it. Thank you for your lovely way of painting a scene with words.

[Catisha Scavairello]

Raccoons are so much fun

[Hailey]

An adorable little read

[Tricia]

Very humorous! I enjoyed it.

[Ellora Bultema]

Never Buy A Book At A Gas Station

[Kam]

cute and uplifting

Brilliant, original and makes me want to buy a pet raccoon.
Also really funny.
It is Good for all ages

[Vicki]

This was a really fun book, humorous, and suitable for all ages. This is written in language that could easily be read at a grade school level. I rated it 4 stars only because it was very short, and I guess I had expected more. This is not a narrative of day-to-day life or how to care for a raccoon... it is several short stories about memorable moments.