These reviews sparkle like stars in the night sky!

March 10, 2026 — I’m delighted to share excerpts of some recent favorite reviews for Into the Thicket. I love to read reviews of books I might be interested in to see what others have to say. Reviews often help us decide if we want to read a book or not. I’m grateful to each of these people who took the time to review our book.

“Gail knocked it out of the park with this new children’s book. This book reminded me SO much of some of my favorite children’s books from my childhood in the late 80’s/early 90’s. … This heartwarming story really tugs and your heartstrings. The art by John Megahan is absolutely stunning.” Leslie Carnahan, Goodreads

“ … a beautifully tender and emotionally resonant picture book that speaks directly to the heart. Through the innocent eyes of young Patrick and his compassion for a wounded rabbit, Gail Kuhnlein weaves a timeless tale about courage, empathy, and the beauty found in both helping and letting go.

“The watercolor illustrations by John Megahan elevate the narrative into something magical. Each image is filled with texture, light, and emotion, perfectly capturing both the real and imagined worlds of a child’s mind. This is not merely a storybook it’s a life lesson wrapped in art, urging young readers to look beyond fear and into the heart of compassion.

“Into the Thicket is destined to become a classic for families who value emotional intelligence and kindness as much as adventure and imagination.” Evelyn Jean, Goodreads

“Awww… what a precious little gem of a book! … I had no idea how much heart was waiting inside. Based on a real-life adventure (the very best kind), this story is all about compassion, courage, and small acts of kindness.

“ …this sweet story gently reminds us that even the smallest kindness can make a big difference in the world.” Kim Wilch, Goodreads

“A gentle and deeply touching story, that captures the tenderness of caring for a wild creature and the quiet strength it takes to let go. The story feels honest and heartfelt, with watercolor illustrations that perfectly match its calm, reflective tone.” Amelliesa Richardson

“This was such a sweet story that almost had me in tears!

“I loved Patrick’s kind heart toward the baby rabbit, and how much he wanted to help see it survive and thrive. The watercolor pictures were gorgeously detailed and well done, and I think kids of all ages will really enjoy this sweet story!” Melissa, Nissa the Bookworm

“When taken with the beautiful illustrations, it certainly leaves its footprints on the heart, from the gorgeous full color scenes to the whimsically placed wording encouraging you to explore each page to its fullest. A great read for the small to the tall!” Gmr, Goodreads

“A masterpiece in telling about kindness, responsibility, and caring for others.” 

Patricia de Hemricourt

“The illustrations are phenomenal.” Carolyn Watson Dubisch, Goodreads

“The text and the watercolor illustrations give the vibe of classic literature.” Diana Aleksandrova

“The story not only inspires empathy and caring for wildlife but also gives insights into rescue work and the outcome of releasing them back into their natural habitats. The book has plenty of wonderful illustrations. It would make a perfect gift!” Janet Ashmore, Goodreads

“A nostalgic story that evokes beautiful, warm memories. … It leaves you with a cozy, lingering feeling—highly recommended.” Kateryna Dronova

“It is a book full of wonder and compassion. … There are so many emotions in the pages of this book, and they are all so true to life.” Crafty Moms Share

“From the very first pages, Kuhnlein’s storytelling feels intimate and reassuring, like being guided by a trusted friend into a world full of discovery. … Together, Kuhnlein and Megahan have created a book that feels both enchanting and important.” Deliciously Savvy

“A Classic in the Making” Laura Leeson, Amazon

“Into the Thicket is an absolutely beautiful book—one of those stories where the illustrations and the writing feel perfectly in sync.

“Visually stunning, emotionally rich, and full of teachable moments — Into the Thicket is a treasure.” Little Lantern Reviews, Amazon

“Into the Thicket is a beautiful, heartfelt story that drew me in right away. The gentle pacing, paired with John Megahan’s soft watercolor illustrations, creates a world that feels both tender and true.

“The story itself grows from a real experience, and you can feel that honesty on every page. It shows how caring for another living creature can stretch a child’s heart in all the best ways.

This is one of those picture books families will reach for again and again. It honors the natural world, celebrates kindness, and reminds us that even a brief connection can leave a lasting mark.” Pika cha-cha, Amazon

“I am in love with this sweet story. I love how sweet, kind and caring the boy was towards the rabbit. I love how he learned to push through his fears to get the rabbit the help it needed, I love how his brother learned something and had a change of heart and decide to help the turtle towards the end of the story, and I even learned a couple of things I didn’t know before.” Nicole, Amazon

“ … illustrations … are simply exquisite and complement the storytelling beautifully. If you know a child that is an animal or nature lover, this book should definitely be in their home library.” Karen B. Shea

“This caring, empathetic book held my attention from the start to the finish. …

“I especially am fond of watercolor illustrations and the ones in this story are amazing. As an artist myself, I can appreciate the quality of these illustration. As an author, I appreciate this beautiful story. As a naturalist, I love how this story reinforces the respect and care we can offer wildlife in our environment.” Sherry Krehbiel

“Lovely read. I loved the author’s note about rewriting sad endings into happy ones. She did just so.” Jay Balo

WOW. Reading through these reviews again (and all at once) leaves me speechless. I’m truly touched and grateful from the bottom of my heart. Into the Thicket has an overall rating of 4.7 stars (out of 5) on Amazon and Goodreads with 41 and 35 reviews, consecutively. I am delighted with that.

In upcoming events, a podcast I was interviewed for, Indie Reads Aloud, will air on Wednesday, March 18 at 9 a.m. EST. If you’re interested, host Diane Kathryn Penn’s podcast will be on Spotify and YouTube. These links won’t be active until that date and time. 

Later this summer, Keirstie Carducci of Out-Back Wildlife Rehab and I will present together at Adventure, Ink, Milan. Date TBA. I will read from Into the Thicket and lead a rabbit origami craft, and Keirstie will talk about her fascinating work as a wildlife rehabber. 

April is a perfect month to gift rabbit books! Between Easter, Earth Day and spring — rabbits will be hopping here, there, everywhere, as cute as can be. Use promo code RABBIT on BookBaby’s Bookshop for $5 off. 

As always, thanks for reading and your support. You can subscribe to my (blissfully infrequent) enews and/or say hello, make comments, ask questions, and whatnot on my Contact page. It reached 70 degrees today — spring is around the bend, peeps. Keep hope alive.