At Gallop Books, we love celebrating small presses. As part of a new tradition, we’re spotlighting fellow indie publishers who share our passion for storytelling, creativity, and curiosity.
Each featured book is paired with hands-on activities and timeless toys that turn reading into an experience.
This season, let’s shop small, gift thoughtfully, and spark big imaginations—one indie book at a time.
Snout by Kelley M Likes · Illustrated by Ninnani · Likes Publishing
When shiny new Fire Engine 75 speeds onto the scene, Snout thinks his job is done until Captain Paulie’s plan turns this old engine into something truly sweet and unexpected.
We love it with -
Gifts that invite kids to see how creativity can transform what’s old into something new again. These selections bring Snout’s sweet story of reinvention to life, one cardboard creation (and scoop ) at a time.
Build It: The Makedo Explore cardboard construction kit lets kids turn recycled boxes into their own ice-cream fire truck or treat cart. No glue, no waste, just pure imagination.
Churn It: The Dash My Pint ice-cream maker is reusable, simple, and endlessly fun. Mix, freeze, scoop and celebrate Snout’s cool new beginning with a treat kids can make themselves.
Not Extinct by Darcy Pattison · Mim’s House Books
When the Przewalski’s horse was declared extinct in the wild, only a handful remained. Decades of teamwork and hope brought this rare species back to its grasslands in Mongolia and China. A true story of science, perseverance, and the power to keep the wild alive.
Gifts that helps kids see where these wild horses live and show that conservation isn’t abstract; it’s global, real, and something they can take part in from home.
Adopt It: The WWF Przewalski’s Horse Adoption Kit lets families support real-world conservation. The kit includes a plush, adoption certificate, and info card. A keepsake that connects story time to global stewardship.
Map It: Add this world-geography puzzle that helps kids find Mongolia on the map. They’ll love connecting the story to a real place, and imagining what it’s like to explore those open, windy steppes.
Sploot by SaDonna Heathman · Illustrated by Brooke Sperry · Gallop Books
Two curious squirrels set out to beat the summer heat and discover how animals adapt to stay cool. With humor and heart, Sploot introduces early readers to real science in a way that feels like play.
Gifts that turn sunny days into science adventures and bring wildlife a little closer to home. Bring Sploot’s summer spirit to life, where science, sunshine, and squirrel silliness meet outdoor learning and eco-friendly fun.
Heat It: The SunLab Solar Cooker lets little scientists build and cook using the power of the sun! Designed for gentle solar cooking, it’s safe, fun, and endlessly reusable. From melting chocolate to warming snacks, kids learn about solar energy through hands-on, zero-waste experiments.
Feed It: The Munch Box Squirrel Feeder invites curious critters right to your backyard. Made in the USA from durable, recycled poly lumber, this clever feeder lets squirrels lift the lid to snack on nuts or cracked corn. Perfect for watching real-life “splooting” in action.
