Sound Archive Books
Published
Children’s Book
Abigail
A song about a girl and her horse, transformed into an illustrated book about courage, literacy, and the Kentucky Pack Horse Librarians.
Project Story
From stage to page.
Abigail began as a Chatham Rabbits song before becoming a 36-page illustrated book for readers of all ages.
Written by Sarah McCombie and illustrated by Kelley Wills, the project pays tribute to the Kentucky Pack Horse Librarians of the Great Depression, a federal works program that brought books and literacy to families in remote Appalachian communities.
The result is exactly the kind of project Sound Archive Books exists to support: a musical idea expanded into a tangible book that creates new ways for fans, families, teachers, and young readers to connect with the story.
The song
A musical story from Chatham Rabbits becomes the foundation for a broader visual and educational experience.
The book
Hand-painted illustrations bring Abigail’s journey to life in a physical book built for shelves, classrooms, and merch tables.
The legacy
Backmatter, chord charts, and lesson material extend the project beyond the story and into learning.
The Song That Inspired the Book
Music opens the door.
The book invites readers into the world first imagined in the song.
For fans, Abigail becomes more than something heard at a show. It becomes a story they can bring home, share with children, and return to long after the music ends.
A Glimpse Inside
Built for readers, families, and classrooms.
Abigail pairs vivid storytelling with painted illustration and educational material that carries the project beyond the page.
The backmatter includes resources for educators, additional historical context, chord charts for the music, and lesson material connected to the story.
Creators
The people behind the project.
Sarah McCombie
Author and half of the North Carolina Americana band Chatham Rabbits. Her background as a musician, storyteller, and former K-8 music teacher gives Abigail its musical and educational foundation.
Kelley Wills
Illustrator whose work centers natural elements and the magic of everyday life, bringing Abigail’s journey to life through hand-painted visual storytelling.
Project Launch
Surprise-announced on stage. Launched for readers the following week.
The book was surprise-announced at a sold-out hometown show at The Pyrle in Greensboro, North Carolina, then launched the following week at the Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis.
36 pagesIllustrated story
Song firstBook second
Classroom readyBackmatter and lessons
Available Now
Bring Abigail home.
For your shelf, your classroom, or the young reader in your life.