Today I get to share a very special picture book with you. It is so important for us to teach the children to take care of the animals on our planet. In a season that is all about giving and being thankful, it is important to remember our stewardship to Earth. Today's book shares a special story about a young boy facing his own fears to help an injured baby rabbit. It is Into the Thicket by Gail Kuhnlein and illustrated by John Megahan. There is a giveaway after my review!
About the Book:
Into the Thicket Written by Gail Kuhnlein and Illustrated by John MegahanAges: 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.
Purchase Links:
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.
For more information:
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.
.png "Into the Thicket Virtual Book Tour Header")
It is a book full of wonder and compassion. Patrick sees the hurt animal and knows it needs help. He instinctively helps it. He knows he doesn't have much time, so he takes the shortcut through the scary thicket. It is a story about helping an animal but also about facing one's own fears. Patrick has to step into the thicket with things rubbing against his ankles and more while his brother, Ben, scares him more. It is also a lesson for Ben to show compassion. In fact, at the end of the book he does even though his friends tease him that he is like Patrick. I love that the book teaches about showing compassion to nature. It shares the thrilling feeling that comes from helping others. Patrick is sad to see the rabbit go but is happy when he sees other bunnies for it to be with. There are so many emotions in the pages of this book, and they are all so true to life. There is even information about the life of a baby rabbit. And in the author's note there is information about what to do if you find an injured animal.
The illustrations in this book are gorgeous. They truly show the tenderness and care. They are colorful and so well done. I also love the ones when Patrick cannot get the rabbit out of his mind, so he sees all the people as rabbits. I can see kids finding these humorous and fun. This book is perfect for all animal lovers. It is also a great book to teach kids about caring for wild animals. It also would be an amazing book for Earth Day! It is a sweet story with some scientific facts incorporated and has gorgeous illustrations!
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. Good luck!
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.
For more information:
.png "Into the Thicket Virtual Book Tour Header")
From Me:
In this sweet picture book, a young boy finds a very injured baby rabbit. He wants to help it but the quickest way to get to the wildlife rehabilitation center is through the thicket which his older brother has told him repeatedly is the home of goblins. With his brother egging him on about the goblins, Patrick faces his fears and goes through the thicket to help the injured rabbit. His family friend Felice is on the other side, and she quickly helps Patrick take care of the bunny. She teaches him about young rabbits or kits and how to care for this bunny in particular. She knows the rabbit is very hurt but has a chance to make it with the right help. She and Patrick treat the rabbit for several weeks before they can release it back into the wild.
It is a book full of wonder and compassion. Patrick sees the hurt animal and knows it needs help. He instinctively helps it. He knows he doesn't have much time, so he takes the shortcut through the scary thicket. It is a story about helping an animal but also about facing one's own fears. Patrick has to step into the thicket with things rubbing against his ankles and more while his brother, Ben, scares him more. It is also a lesson for Ben to show compassion. In fact, at the end of the book he does even though his friends tease him that he is like Patrick. I love that the book teaches about showing compassion to nature. It shares the thrilling feeling that comes from helping others. Patrick is sad to see the rabbit go but is happy when he sees other bunnies for it to be with. There are so many emotions in the pages of this book, and they are all so true to life. There is even information about the life of a baby rabbit. And in the author's note there is information about what to do if you find an injured animal.
The illustrations in this book are gorgeous. They truly show the tenderness and care. They are colorful and so well done. I also love the ones when Patrick cannot get the rabbit out of his mind, so he sees all the people as rabbits. I can see kids finding these humorous and fun. This book is perfect for all animal lovers. It is also a great book to teach kids about caring for wild animals. It also would be an amazing book for Earth Day! It is a sweet story with some scientific facts incorporated and has gorgeous illustrations!
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. Good luck!
