Into the Thicket Awareness Tour is presented in partnership* with Gail Kuhnlein and The Children’s Book Review.
Join us as we kick off the virtual book tour for Into the Thicket by Gail Kuhnlein, a heartfelt story about compassion, courage, and caring for the world around us.
When a young boy finds an injured baby rabbit, his instinct to help ignites a journey brimming with love, hope, and gentle heartbreak. Inspired by real events, this moving picture book invites readers into a world where quiet moments become big lessons about nature, empathy, nurturing, and knowing when to let go. With breathtaking watercolor illustrations by artist John Megahan and an important message about wildlife care, Into the Thicket is the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page. Even more meaningful, a portion of the proceeds supports wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, making every read an act of giving back.
Uplifting and touching, Into the Thicket is the perfect story for quiet, sensitive, nature-loving readers everywhere.
—The Children’s Book Review
Don’t miss your chance to bring this tender tale (and cuddly companions) home—enter below!
Readers who follow along with us on this virtual book tour have 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.
Into the Thicket
Virtual Tour Dates
| 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 |
Into the Thicket Book Giveaway
Into the Thicket: Book GiveawayAbout the Book
Into the Thicket
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.
Buy the Book
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, visit authorgailkuhnlein.com
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, visit johnmegahan.com.
Thanks for following along with us on Gail Kuhnlein’s Into the Thicket awareness tour!
94 Comments
What’s your advice for new authors?
Hi Jamie! Apologies for my delayed reply. I just noticed these comments. Oh boy, that’s a great question with many possible answers. 😀 First thing, congratulations (assuming you’re a new author)! My first thought is to feel great about your accomplishment. Next, look into your local bookshops who support indie authors and see if they’ll carry your book. Also, cafes and small shops that might support local artists and authors. There’s really so much potential. So, I was a new author (still am, really) in 2022 and I began blogging about my experiences and giving tips, as I learned new things. There are so many great resources out there (hello Google) but if you’re interested, my blog is on my author website and I’d love for you to read along. Best wishes!
Seeing a few unexpected deer in my backyard recently has stayed in my heart for sure!
Hi Melanie! Deer are such beautiful creatures! Wow, in your backyard. I love this. Driving home in the snow the other day (after a local picture book author event), when I slowed down crossing train tracks, a lone deer was standing in the distance right over the tracks. It was such a stunning sight! Thanks for sharing that.
They are really beautiful, it is so unexpected and amazing; we sometimes encounter deer but that was the first time I’d seen them in our backyard. It’s definitely a moment I’ll never forget.
I understand this completely. Pretty much every time I see a deer, I say “hello beautiful.”
I’d like to win this because it’s perfect for my young animal lover.
Best wishes to you icefairy! Your name on here is so magical. I’m happy that you have a young animal lover 😀
My grandchildren, ages 5, 7 and 8, would enjoy the book/books. We walk rails to trails quite often and look for animals, birds and aquatic creatures. The boy who wants to save the bunny reminded me of a time I was young. My sister and I took a small bunny away from the neighbors cat one time. We took it to mom and hoped to help it. She said it was best to let it go in the field up the road away from the cat. So we did.
Hello Barbara, thank you so much for sharing your childhood memory. How sweet. I’m glad you got the rabbit away from the cat and let it go in the field. I’m happy that you think your grandchildren would like the books. They’re great ages for them! Good luck!
What was your favorite class in school?>
Hi Jamie, apologies for the delayed reply. I’m so excited to discover these comments, but just noticed them tonight. Nice question. It’s tricky because I think of different grades/schools. In elementary school, I’ll say art class. While it wasn’t really a separate class, unsurprisingly, I loved writing. Especially in first grade, I believe, when our teacher would type our stories into little books on colored paper that we’d illustrate! In my case, the interest started young! In high school, not sure if it was THE favorite, but I’d say the most USEFUL class I ever took was typing (she says as she types quickly on her laptop)! I don’t look at the keyboard.
cute
THANKS bn100! 😀 Appreciate you
This looks like a wonderful book, and I love that some of the proceeds help support wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.
Many thanks, Melanie! I appreciate your kind words. It seemed fitting to give back to wildlife rehab, in particular, and conservation is related and so so important. We have one Earth, right?
Witnessing a family of skunks residing under my deck once was a memorable experience!
Melanie, it must have been so sweet to see the baby skunks! I feel like some people would not have liked that, given the potential for the skunks to spray. It’s great that there are people like you who appreciate wildlife around them. We back up to some woods , fields and wetlands. It’s so much nicer than backing up to more houses. We’re fortunate to have many birds, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, frogs and more that we’ve seen over the years. We occasionally have a little frog that naps behind a cushion on our patio! I love it. Not as often, but raccoons, a deer very rarely, possums. What a wonderful world!
The skunks were really cute, but I wouldn’t have wanted to disturb them or scare them in any way on our own. We had to contact people who handle them so they could be brought to a safer place to live. It’s amazing to still have so much wildlife around in spite of new housing developments in some areas. I sometimes fear these creatures run out of places for sanctuary, that’s why conservation is so important.
I agree. That’s so special that you had them moved to a safer spot.
This book looks adorable and one the kids would so love to read this fall season.
Hi Heather! Thanks so much for your kindness. Good luck with the contest for your kiddo. I’m delighted to find all these lovely comments, like yours 😀
Did you write over the holiday?
Hey again, Jamie. Nice to hear from you again. I’m glad you wrote again even tho I hadn’t replied yet. I did write over the holiday! I actually worked on answers to a set of questions for an author interview that’s part of the tour. One of the questions was the same as earlier author interview I did (not yet posted, actually it posts tomorrow). I resisted the fleeting temptation to copy and paste my answer and answered it in a somewhat different way. Did you write?
A cute book.
Thanks Donna! Very kind of you to say and much appreciated. 😀
We have fostered 7 pups and adopted two.
Hi Donna, AWWW that’s really wonderful of you. Dogs are incredible. All animals are really so special in their own ways.
We have 2 cats who are the little furry loves of our lives. We had 2 previously who were also our furry loves. They are so dear and bring so much joy. I just saw a funny post on Instagram of this couple in NY City who turned some storage space over their entry closet into a cat living room. A cat climbing tower goes up to it. It is so darn cute. I feel that we aren’t doing enough for our cats now. Haha. Just kidding, but sort of.
Many thanks to all of you who have left comments so far. As I said above, apologies for the delayed replies on some of these. I just noticed them here and I’m delighted! I look forward to hearing from more of you and I’m going to start checking more often. Let me know if you have any more questions or comments and I’ll do my best to answer. I LOVE hearing your wildlife stories!
*** Hey, for my December blog post, I asked on social media what are your favorite holiday picture books, from your own childhood and/or to read to your children (or grands)? And briefly, why? I’d love to hear from you on this. Mine are Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree (from my childhood and then read to our boys, still have the original book, and the reprint) and an older book I discovered when our boys were little, How Six Found Christmas — it’s magical! (hard to find now, out of print, sadly)
Thanks for being here for my first virtual book tour! Isn’t TCBR great!?
Did any children’s books authors influence your writing?
Hey Jamie, thanks for being a frequent commenter. Charlotte Zolotow is an older children’s book writer whose books I find especially touching and tender. She has so many, and this is a good reminder that I’d like to find and read more of them. I wrote to her once and she replied with encouragement re my own writing. You could tell she holds children in high esteem, as I do. I just really connected with her style.
I also really love Sandra Boynton’s fun and whimsy and Leo Lionni wrote a couple of my childhood favorites: Swimmy and Frederick. My writing may be subconsciously influenced by these books I read in my childhood. Also Roald Dahl! Great question, thank you.
We have a short coffee table in our bedroom with a cloth cover over 3 side of it. We call it our pup’s apartment. It has a bed, and it has carpeting. There’s nothing like the love of a pet!
Very sweet and must be cozy for your pup! I’ve noticed sometimes when something is draped over furniture, they especially like to be underneath there. I agree with you!
Did you have a favourite warm drink to drink whilst writing?
Tea! My favorite right now is Tazo’s Zen tea.
We would like to read this book.
Thanks Donna! Good luck in the contest!
We feed and put out warming blankets for the stray kitties.
Aww, how sweet. I recently saw a news story that Wimbledon donates thousands of old tennis balls for animal organizations that cut holes in them and put them out for field mice to stay warm and nest in. What a great idea!
Tell me about a time you helped a friend with their wriitng.
I’ve helped a friend of mine edit a cozy mystery she’s writing and publishing soon. It will be called The Lady in White and it’s a ghost (and human) love story set in Michigan. Family, not friend, but I helped my son edit my Mom’s /his grandmother’s manuscript for a romance novella called Olas Grandes (big waves in Spanish). He was the primary editor and self-published it. She got to hold an author’s copy of it (a dream of hers) days before she passed. It’s a beautiful story and I’m so proud of him for making his grandmother’s dream come true. There’s a great interview online with him about this. I’ll find the link. Olas Grandes is on Amazon.
Here’s a link if anyone is interested. Fun memory is that I read this manuscript hot off the presses (actually, Mom’s typewriter) when I was in high school.
Interview I mentioned: https://www.nanpokerwinski.com/blog/author-spotlight-barbara-mahase-rodman-and-david-kuhnlein
The book: https://www.amazon.com/Olas-Grandes-Barbara-Mahase-Rodman/dp/1070826030
This is a fun, heartwarming adventure story.
Thanks Donna! This means a lot to me 😀
We live very close to a vets office, My teenage son found an injured bird outside our house and put in in a box and carried it to the vet,he saved it’s life.
What a caring son you raised! That’s beautiful. You must be so proud. Isn’t it great when we see things like this and we get to think that we must have done something right!?
I once helped a tiny baby bird that had fallen from its nest during a storm. I kept it warm until a rescue volunteer arrived, and seeing it perk up and finally get reunited with proper care is something I’ve never forgotten.
What a lovely story, Thomas. So kind of you to care. These are special memories, aren’t they? It matters.
Those books look absolutely lovely.
I appreciate you, Patrick!
What books inspired you as a teen?
Jamie, this one took some thought, especially as in trying to remember what I read as a teen. I read Judy Bloom, like Forever and Are You There God, it’s Me, Margaret, and Seth Hinton’s The Outsiders and the sequel. I probably continued to read books by Roald Dahl, not sure. Since these are the ones I recall most vividly, I’d say these inspired me in different ways. I began loving the poetry of Robert Frost, as well.
^ spelling correction to above: Judy *Blume*
This story sounds like a heartwarming story.
What is your favourite line you wrote?
I love this question, Jamie. The first author interview I did for this virtual tour asked me the same thing. You can see that answer at this link: https://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/2025/12/into-thicket-virtual-book-tour-author.html
Copy and paste the link just above into your browser (as you know) or on the schedule above, click on Dec 2 for the interview posted by Life Is What it’s Called.
To answer your question, favorite holiday picture books from your own childhood, I always loved to read the Little Golden Books.
Thanks Melanie! I’m working on my blog post this weekend to publish on Tuesday of next week. Any in particular come to mind? I remember a Little Golden Book with Santa on the cover and I think there was a little bear character too. I might still have it!
Would love to read this book. We have all kinds of rabbits in our yard!!
Thanks, Dixie! We do too. 😀
How do you feel about writers retreats?
I’ve actually never attended one! I’ve attended many virtual writer’s conferences. Perhaps one of these days. Are you a writer? Can you recommend one? I’m a member of SCBWI and see one coming up in NY in January.
We love our rescue pup. She is living the best life now.
😀
This sounds like a cool story.
What’s your favourite word?
Jamie Martin
It’s too hard to pick one favorite but one of my favorites would be onomatopoeia. I had to look up the spelling but I love the meaning and it’s a fun word to say. “The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g., buzz, meow).” There’s a lot of this in Into the Thicket!
Sorry, folks. We may have hit some kind of limit. My replies have stopped posting. We’ll see about getting it fixed this week! I’ll see if this will post …
This looks like a great read. Our grandniece is likely to enjoy this one. Thanks for sharing and happy holidays! 🙂
Thank you, Art! I hope your grandniece does like our book. Much appreciated and happy holidays back to you and yours!
We love stories about animals.
I’m so glad, Donna.
When you are world building, how do you start?
Jamie, It all starts with an idea!
On winter days, do you feel like you write more or less?
I’m going to say more.
Growing up, nature was my playground. This brings those memories back. 🐰
I’m happy to hear that, Nancy! I’ve heard it has a sense of nostalgia to it, which makes sense as the story’s inspiration was from the early 2000s.
We are excited to check this book out.
Thank you, Jodi! I appreciate you.
My family and I helped out a stray cat that a friend had found a few years ago. She wasn’t feral, possibly someone didn’t want her anymore. But she lived outside most of the time in a little igloo-type house. We fed her and took care of her when her owner was away, even helping her with an injury she had. She has since been rehomed and is now living her best life, but I will never forget those days because even though she wasn’t ours, it felt great to help take care of an animal in need.
That’s a lovely memory, Melanie. Thanks for sharing. I agree that it’s a special feeling to help animals in whatever way. I heard a quote once, I think it was one of the Popes, who said that feeding the birds is a form of prayer. I thought that was beautiful. We do it without expecting anything in return, not even a thank you. But, the truth is, just watching the birds is so wondrous — its own special reward. OK, I’m officially old. haha
That is a nice quote! I agree watching the birds is its own reward.
It is a special feeling to help out. I remember a quote that I’d read that resonates with me; “It’s a small thing to help one animal, but to that one animal it’s a big thing.”
That’s so true! I love that and it fits the theme of my book beautifully. Thanks for sharing.
I think my daughter is going to love this book.
Yay! I hope so, Jodi! Will you let me know?
Do you like writing at night or in the morning?
I’d like to say morning, but I often have other things I’m doing that interfere. I guess it’s a matter of priorities. More often, I write in the evening, and that’s okay.
A cute story.
What is the silliest mistake you ever made whilst writing?
Hmmm. Silliest is hard to say or recall. In Journalism 101 at Michigan State U, if we misspelled a proper noun, it was an automatic failing grade. Seemed harsh, but it helped instill in me the importance of checking spellings of names, places, etc. If I think of something more specific, I’ll let you know. Are you going to answer any of my questions? 😉
Can you tell me what inspired this?
Hi Danica, thanks for asking. Into the Thicket was inspired by my sons, who were playing football catch in the backyard and our younger son found an injured baby rabbit next to a football that went over his head. Other than taking the rabbit to wildlife rehab, the rest is fiction.
What time do you think is best for writing?