Publishing early 2025: new picture book, Into the Thicket

May 14, 2024 — On a hot summer afternoon, our sons were playing football in the backyard, just like so many other days. Davey threw one over Trevor’s head. Trev ran to get the ball and noticed something unusual near the ball in the grass. Turns out it was an injured baby rabbit. We took the rabbit to wildlife rehab to try to save it. Nearly 20 years ago (the boys were about 11 and 8 years old), this real life story inspired me to write a picture book manuscript, dubbed Into the Thicket. In the manuscript, after the boy finds the rabbit, the rest of the story is highly fictionalized. The rabbit rehab info, however, is true. 

Because the book was written so long ago, this year I consulted with a wildlife rehabber to ensure the book was correct with the latest information. I’m beyond grateful for the input of Keirstie Carducci of Out-Back Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Ottawa Lake, Michigan. I’ve heard she’s extremely successful with rehabilitating baby rabbits. If they’re not at least seven days old (eyes likely open), the chances of them surviving is slim to none. If they’re about a week old, they’ve received some essential nutrition from their mothers that greatly improves their chances. Keirstie’s been doing this labor of love for 46 years. I think of Felice (the original rehabber in the story), Keirstie and a friend of mine, Karen OConnor, who rehabs injured or orphaned fawns, raccoons and groundhogs, as Earth Angels. I admire them greatly for what they do for the animals. 

In my first blog post, Serendipity doo da (linked below), I wrote about meeting a children’s book editor by pure chance through my former job. I worked closely with Bob Comenole over several months to edit this manuscript extensively. He had a great way of talking me through issues with the text to help me come up with my own solutions. I think I really grew as a writer with Bob’s guidance.

The story encompasses an appreciation for wildlife, a young boy’s compassion, overcoming fears, loving — and letting go, and how even small acts of kindness make a difference in a great, big world. 

I’m excited that the talented Ann Arbor artist John Megahan is working on the illustrations. He’s mapped out the book with detailed (and gorgeous) computer sketches. For the final art, he’s sketching and then painting with watercolors. He hadn’t used watercolor much recently, so he’s been brushing up (pun intended or not, you decide) on his skills. I worked with John at the University of Michigan for many years. We’d discussed collaborating on a book over the years, but busy schedules delayed that plan — until now.  

We don’t want to give away too much of the story. This early rendition of an illustration showcased above is a teaser that we hope will intrigue readers to look forward to our publication. There will be a few more illustrations teased out before publication. I’ll post the book for presales soon. We don’t have a set date yet, but when we do, you will be the first to know. 

Illustration: John Megahan

Read more in previous Outta’ this world blog posts >> 

Serendipity doo da 

Artist interview: John Megahan to illustrate Into the Thicket

The anticipated publication date has been updated in the headline from fall 2024 to early 2025.