The Fairview Review: 2025

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Virtual Book Tour Into the Thicket

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

PURCHASE LINK

MY REVIEW

Although many of us may live in urban or suburban settings, there are still plenty of places where wild animals live alongside us. Patrick and his older brother Ben are tossing a football around when Patrick discovers a small injured rabbit in the neighbor’s yard. Despite his brother scoffing at his concern, Patrick decides to help.

The story weaves together several themes such as bravery, compassion, and respect for wildlife. Even though he is frightened because Ben tells him goblins live there, Patrick takes the shortcut through the thicket to reach the wildlife rescue center as quickly as possible. He spends his spare time over the next weeks helping to care for the rabbit kit. And when it is time to release the rabbit back into the wild, he watches it hop off into the thicket to join the other rabbits. His example of kindness rubs off on Ben, who rescues a turtle from the road when other kids laugh that it might be run over by a car.

The author explains that the story was inspired by the time her own son found a small injured rabbit. The note also provides information about whom to contact if an injured animal is found. This book is good for elementary age children who are interested in animals and volunteering their time for a good cause.

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.

https://authorgailkuhnlein.com/

https://www.instagram.com/gkuhny/

https://bsky.app/profile/gkuhny.bsky.social

https://www.youtube.com/@kuhny4

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583958753308

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.

https://johnmegahan.com/

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, November 24, 2025

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of Into the Thicket

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Crafty Moms Share