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. THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW ― SELECTED AS REVIEWER'S CHOICE "Original, unique, deftly crafted, informative, engaging, bearing an important and inspiring message about kindness, rescue, engagement, and liberation with respect to animals in stress, "Into the Thicket" is an entertaining and inherently fascinating read from start to finish ... especially and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections for children ages 4-8." ―James Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review THE CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW " ... Uplifting and touching, Into the Thicket is the perfect story for quiet, sensitive, nature-loving readers everywhere. ... a great starting point for discussions about wildlife rescue and the importance of caring for our natural world, making it an ideal addition to classroom or home libraries." ―Dr. Jen Harrison "I have to begin by saying just how much I love Into the Thicket. This book captured my heart instantly, the way only a truly special story can―one that feels warm, wise, and wonderfully alive. ... "If you haven't stepped Into the Thicket yet, I can't recommend it enough. It's simply beautiful―and profoundly compassionate." ― Deliciously Saavy review, from The Children's Book Review Virtual Book Tour Nominated multiple times for a Goodnightreads 5 Star Review Award Gail Kuhnlein is the author of two picture books: How Happy Is a Lark? (December 2022) and Into the Thicket (August 2025). The story is based on a real-life adventure when her (then) young son found an injured baby rabbit. She's loved writing stories since she was young. 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. Serendipity lent a hand as people she met throughout her career were instrumental in publishing her picture books. She lives with her husband, Tim, just outside Ann Arbor, Michigan. Gail loves walking outdoors, practicing yoga, reading, meditating, and listening to music. They adore their two adult sons, Davey and Trevor. They bunk with the two sweetest cats in the galaxy. 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.