About The Author
Annabelle Sandlin has always found magic in the simple beauty of rural life. Raised on her family’s farm, Annabelle grew up surrounded by a cast of real-life characters: gentle cows, mischievous goats, and a rooster with a voice so loud that he was practically famous among the neighbors. As a child, Annabelle’s imagination turned these barnyard friends into heroes of her own stories, and now, as an author, she brings those childhood memories and experiences to life for her readers.
Annabelle’s love for storytelling began at an early age when she would write tales inspired by her surroundings. But it wasn’t until she became a mother that she rediscovered the magic of stories told through a child’s eyes. She started creating bedtime stories about animals that lived on a little farm much like her own childhood home, which sparked joy in her own children and inspired her to write The Barn That Crowed.
In The Barn That Crowed, Annabelle introduces readers to a lovable group of animals who, despite their differences, form a close-knit family. The story captures her love for kindness, friendship, and the courage it takes to be true to oneself—all values Annabelle believes are important for young readers to learn. Her hope is that her books will encourage children to look at the world with wonder and respect for all living creatures, big and small.
Today, Annabelle lives with her family on a cozy farm where she still rises early with the morning light, often accompanied by a few four-legged friends. Her days are filled with the sounds of rustling leaves, clucking chickens, and the occasional crow of her rooster, who never fails to remind her of the stories still waiting to be told. When she’s not writing, you can find her tending her garden, sharing her love of animals with her children, or dreaming up new tales of friendship and adventure.