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Into the Thicket

By Gail Kuhnlein

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Overview

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

REVIEWS

  • THE READERS' CHOICE BOOK AWARDS — SILVER WINNER / 5 STAR REVIEW — Children's Book Ages 3 - 7

  • THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS, BRONZE MEDAL WINNER 2025 — Children's Book Ages 6 - 8

  • NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS — FINALIST 2026 — Children's Picture Book Illustrations (Best Illustrator)

  • 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." Read full review 
    —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." Read full review
    —Dr. Jen Harrison

  • Multiple nominations for a Goodnightreads All Star Award https://www.goodnightreads.co/all-star-award

  • 4.7 star rating (out of 5) on Goodreads 
  • https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239271588-into-the-thicket

  • 4.7 star rating (out of 5) on Amazon
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Description

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.

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About The Author

Gail Kuhnlein is excited to announce the publication of her second picture book, Into the Thicket. The story was inspired by a real-life adventure when her young son found an injured baby rabbit.

In late 2022, Gail published her first children's picture book, How Happy Is a Lark? This was the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream come true. 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 played a role as people she met throughout her career at UM, were instrumental in publishing her picture books.

She's savoring life with her husband, Tim, just outside Ann Arbor, Michigan. Gail loves walking outdoors, practicing yoga, reading and folk rock music. They adore their two adult sons, Davey and Trevor. They bunk with the two sweetest cats in the galaxy, Dexter and Libby.

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Book details

  • Genre:children's fiction
  • Sub-genre:Animals / Rabbits
  • Age Range (years):4 - 8
  • Language:English
  • Pages:60
  • Hardcover ISBN:9798990747807

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