Into the Thicket

Into the Thicket is based on a real-life adventure when the author's (then) young son found an injured baby rabbit in the backyard. 

The fictionalized story follows the journey of young Patrick and the rabbit one springtime in Michigan. The book beautifully portrays an appreciation for wildlife. The universal emotions of compassion, and loving and letting go are central elements of the boy's experience. In addition, he is challenged with overcoming his fears — not only of entering and walking through the thicket to get the rabbit the help it needs quickly, but also his fear of losing the rabbit that he loves. Finally, readers learn how even small acts of kindness make a difference in a great, big world. Illustrations (hand-drawn and painted evocative watercolors) are by the renowned Ann Arbor artist John Megahan.

Into the Thicket is a longer form picture book, divided into three sections for easier reading. Every page features a full color watercolor illustration that brings the story, the characters, and even the boy's imagination, vividly to life.
The primary audience for the book is children aged 4 - 7. Parents, teachers and librarians will be interested in this book that children and adults alike will relate to and learn from. Wildlife rehabilitators and animal lovers of all kinds will appreciate the story. The book includes helpful information for those who find injured or abandoned wildlife, and as importantly, how to know when to leave animals alone. There are even tips for people with dogs who find a rabbit nest in their yard.

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

The fictionalized story follows the journey of young Patrick and the rabbit. The book encompasses an appreciation for wildlife, compassion, overcoming fears, loving — and letting go, and how even small acts of kindness make a difference in a great, big world. Illustrations (hand-drawn and painted watercolors) are by the renowned Ann Arbor artist John Megahan.

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 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, watching great television and movies, and listening to music.

They adore their two adult sons, Davey and Trevor. They have two beloved cats, Dexter and Libby.
coming