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Into the Thicket

  • Writer: Paola Dell Acqua
    Paola Dell Acqua
  • 22 hours ago
  • 4 min read
by Gail Kuhnlein

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I received a copy of this book to share my opinion.


GIVEAWAY
Enter for the chance to win one of three signed hardcover copies of Into the Thicket, each accompanied by a set of custom stickers featuring illustrations from the book. One grand prize winner will receive a signed hardcover of Into the Thicket with an adorable rabbit companion stuffie and a set of custom stickers, plus a signed paperback of How Happy Is a Lark? along with a singing lark stuffie.

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ABOUT THE BOOK
Written by Gail Kuhnlein
Illustrated by John Megahan
Ages: 4 - 7 | 60 Pages
Publisher: BookBaby (2025) | ISBN: 979-8990747807

Publisher’s Book Summary: Inspired by a true story, Into the Thicket begins with the moment the author’s young son discovered an injured baby rabbit — an encounter that sparked a heartfelt journey of care and connection.

This tender picture book follows a boy and the rabbit he hopes to help, gently exploring themes of compassion, courage, love, and the bittersweet beauty of letting go. It invites young readers to develop empathy and a deeper appreciation for the natural world, showing how even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple through a great, big world.

Featuring stunning watercolor illustrations by acclaimed Ann Arbor artist John Megahan, Into the Thicket is a story families will return to again and again. A portion of all proceeds benefits wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.

MY REVIEW

Into the Thicket is a beautiful story about kindness above anything and Patrick is the kindest boy! He found a rabbit, which was badly injured, and he immediately looked for help to save it. Taking the poor animal to the vet meant going into the thicket; and that was not easy for him as going through the thicket was a bit frightening. As it was a matter of life or death, he was determined to act.

The story reminded me the times when my sisters and me would rescue cats and dogs from the street and take them home until we found a new owner, but many times the animals stayed for much longer than desired.

The story can be used to teach children many interesting facts about rabbits: how baby rabbits are called, what they eat, how their bodies change when they are growing, where they live or how the mother takes care of the babies.
Children can discover the importance of vets in society and that anyone can help save animals under the vet's supervision.
Volunteering makes children accept responsabilities and see that their actions can have a positive impact.
In the story, Patrick is afraid of the thicket but he has to overcome his fear if he wants to save the rabbit. When children conquer fears, they grow, they learn obstacles, many times, are in
our mind.
Although the story is simple, it is engaging and a powerful source of life lessons. The illustrations are gorgeous, the soft palette of colors project a sense of tenderness. I like how the illustrations bring the thicket to life, it looks frightening at first but, it becomes a peaceful place where nature lives in the end.


PURCHASE LINK


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gail Kuhnlein has been writing stories since she was young.  Her first self-published picture book, How Happy Is a Lark?, made her as happy as a, well you know. She’s just as excited about her new picture book, Into the Thicket.

Gail majored in journalism and public relations at Michigan State University. She worked in the field for over 30 years, most recently at the University of Michigan’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. People she met at UM were instrumental in publishing her picture books, a long-awaited dream come true.

After surviving multiple life-threatening complications following heart valve surgery in 2022, including several weeks in an induced coma, Gail considers every day as “bonus time.” She savors life with her husband, Tim, just outside Ann Arbor, Michigan. They adore their two adult sons, Davey and Trevor, and bunk with the sweetest kitties in the galaxy.


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

John Megahan’s lifelong passion for art and nature has shaped his remarkable career. Growing up, he spent countless hours outdoors exploring and sketching the natural world around him. In college, he combined his interests by studying biology and art, which led him to the field of scientific illustration — a perfect blend of his interests.
After college, he worked as a freelance illustrator, developing a large clientele that included governmental and advertising agencies, universities, publishers, and more. After freelancing, John became the senior scientific illustrator at the University of Michigan’s Museum of Zoology, where he continues to work today. Alongside his illustration work, he has enjoyed teaching art and biology, inspiring others with his knowledge and enthusiasm.
John’s other children’s picture book credits include W is for Waves, An Ocean Alphabet, Thumping on Trees, and The Red Fox and Johnny Valentine’s Blue-Speckled Hound. He looks forward to creating more wildlife and nature-inspired artwork and illustrating many more picture books.

TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday, November 24, 2025
The Children’s Book Review
Book Review of Into the Thicket
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Crafty Moms Share
Book Review for Into the Thicket
Monday, December 1, 2025
Deliciously Savvy
Book Review for Into the Thicket
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Life is What It’s Called 
Author Interview with Gail Kuhnlein
Thursday, December 4, 2025
The Fairview Review
Book Review for Into the Thicket
Friday, December 5, 2025
Country Mamas With Kids
Book Review for Into the Thicket
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
icefairy’s Treasure Chest
Book Review for Into the Thicket
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Confessions of a Book Addict
Book Spotlight on Into the Thicket
Friday, December 12, 2025
Un Viaje en Libro
Book Review for Into the Thicket
Monday, December 15, 2025
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers 
Book Review for Into the Thicket
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Q&As with Deborah Kalb
Author Interview with Gail Kuhnlein
Thursday, December 18, 2025
One More Exclamation 
Book Activity for Into the Thicket
Friday, December 19, 2025
@nissa_the.bookworm
Instagram Post about Into the Thicket

 
 
 

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