I hadn't realized the nature and backstory of this book when I took. Having read it, it would be too niche of a book to have at home. My kids are really sensitive to animals and this would destroy them at their age. I think it would, however, be an excellent book for kids who are directly impacted by limb difference to cope or to help normalize people/animals with differences in general.

Dexter is a cutie! What a cute and motivating book. The illustrations were also well done and relevant!!

Dexter, by Bonnie Kelso and Kentee Paskek, is a sweet picture book about the real-life dog named Dexter who learned to walk on his hind legs after losing a leg. Dexter was badly injured when he was hit by a car, but he became famous during Covid lock-down when his family posted videos of him walking on his two hind legs. This picture book is written simply enough for preschoolers and early readers to easily understand. I especially liked the way the car accident was handled -- in illustration only -- so that children can put the story together for themselves at whatever level they understand it. In this way, a difficult topic was handled sensitively but not overdone. This book would be a great addition to any elementary classroom or school library, especially as a growth mindset example of perseverance. I look forward to recommending this book to other educators, parents, and grandparents.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the authors for the chance to read and review this adorable picture book!

Dexter: The Stand Up Dog by Bonnie Kelso is a super cute children's book that is based on a true story. I've never heard of Dexter before, but now I do. I think this is an amazing story. Dogs are very special creatures, and they are so smart. This story is super easy to follow. The illustrations are beautiful. I think the story would entertain and interest kiddos. I think this is a very special picture book. This story explores the themes of hope, recovery, resilience, love, and courage.

I really enjoyed this story. Dexter is such a special dog. His story was inspiring. Dexter never gave up. I think that kids will love his story. I loved the illustrations. Everything was bright and beautiful.

I didn't know Dexter's story before reading this book and I was charmed! I downloaded this as part of Camp NetGalley. The illustrations were fun and the story was written in a way that I think young children could follow along and enjoy. The tense and word choice in some sentences seemed off to me, but I was able to keep going.
As a disabled reader, I bring a wary lens when reading disabled stories. I liked that Dexter's story focused on his determination, his adaptation to his new reality, and the joy he brought to others - especially the disabled children in a hospital setting! I also liked that the pandemic was represented in a legitimate and neutral way.
I would consider buying this to read to children in my life.

Awww, I love this! Dexter really is a good boy and this book is full of good vibes and positivity.

Dexter is a pup who loves to run and play. He has his favorite toy that he loves to chase after, his ball. Sadly Dexter makes a poor decision and runs out the door and into the road to fetch his bouncy ball. As you can imagine dogs and roads very rarely lead to good outcomes. Luckily for Dexter his loving family rushes him to the vet, but when he wakes something has happened to his legs.


Dexter has some important life lessons to share about overcoming obstacles and making the best with what we have. He also teaches us about the importance of perseverance. Any difficulty can be overcome if you just take it one step at a time.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

The absolute sweetest story about a spirited pup who overcomes his struggles after an accident taking away two of his legs. He learns how to live life to the fullest despite his circumstances! This was such a wonderful little read with my kids & a message that even through struggles we can achieve our dreams!

✨Book Review✨
🐶Dexter: The Stand Up Dog 🐶

Synopsis:
Based on the true story of this social media sensation and courageous canine companion, Dexter: the Stand Up Dog is an inspirational picture book that highlights the contagious power of love, hope, resilience, and determination.

My thoughts:
🤔 I have been living in a bubble! I did not know about Dexter until I read this book! What an inspiration he is!
🤔 I really admire Dexter’s resilience and determination. I think young readers will be inspired by Dexter’s spirit!
🤔 The illustrations are colorful and very appealing. The text is fairly simple with typically just a sentence or two per page-very appropriate for the targeted age group.
🤔Dexter does get hit by a car near the beginning of the book, so for the first read of this one, adults might want to read it with their child to be right there to support them and answer their questions.

Who is going to love it? Children who ….
❤ …love DOGS! 🐶
❤️ …love TRUE ANIMAL STORIES! 📚
❤️ …love reading about INTERNET SENSATIONS! 🛜

📢This one releases Tuesday, September 16, 2025!

🥰Thank you to Gnome Road Publishing @gnomeroadpublishing and @NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

After Dexter is injured he has to learn to zoom again. This book shows his determination and what it takes for him to learn to walk on his back legs because he hurt his front paw. A fun book and great illustration to show this transformation.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

This book was SO cute! It showed overcoming adversity and how important a dog is to a family. I think this is a great way to show how to find the positive in bad things that happen. It also shows that different doesn't equal wrong and I love that.

My 7 year old son and I loved this book. The book was well written and it was great to share how bad things happen sometimes but good things can come out on top in the end. It was heartfelt and sweet and gave a different perspective! He loved the pictures too! We had a great time reading this book and will recommend it to all our friends!

I posted my review on Goodreads and Barnes and Noble. I will post my review on Amazon on release day!

A cute, short picture book about a dog who gets injured and learns to walk on his hind legs. I would buy this book for my toddler.

This book is fantastic and deserves a home in every personal, school, and community library. It’s based on real events, addressing disability and new beginnings. I loved the puppy's energy and the positive message: there is always a way to start over and enjoy life. The puppy’s good spirit is felt in every illustration. The pages are bold, fun and colorful with an extra emphasis on emotions and facial reactions.

It is important to expose children to literature that enhance understanding of those who look, talk, or act different. While this book has excellent read-aloud potential at storytime and in the classroom, the illustrations provide a lot of fun and emotional scenarios for one-on-one readers to absorb.

I can see children reading this book over and over.

A sweet picture book about a puppy overcoming adversity to thrive.

<b>Overview:</b> Meet Dexter the dog. He's an active and rambunctious puppy who loves to run around and play with his family. One fateful day, Dexter has an accident and must adapt to life with three legs. Determined not to let this change falter his steps, Dexter teaches himself to walk upright on his two hind legs, an act of which brings joy to everyone he meets - and fame on the internet inspiring others.

This book is a beautiful depiction of overcoming adversity, adaptability, and courage. <i>Dexter: The Stand Up Dog</i> is a wonderful story for readers of all ages. The artwork is adorable, and wonderfully illustrates the narrative and emotions of Dexter's journey. I was so entranced by his story that I immediately found his Instagram account to learn more and see the real puppy in action.


Thank you to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for the opportunity to read this titles for an honest review.


#Indigoemployee

Review from my 7 year old: “I love him. I want to meet him so bad. The pictures were pretty. I want to be his friend.”

Dexter has become a household favorite for bedtime reads. My girls love the book and have fallen in love with Dexter and his resilience.

Dexter is a heartwarming children’s book that moved me despite its young audience. It follows Dexter, a lively puppy who, after an accident, becomes a three-legged dog. The story beautifully shows his journey of adapting and eventually walking upright, spreading positivity online during COVID-19. The charming illustrations enhance the heartfelt tale.
Written for young readers, it captivated my 4- and 8-year-old boys with Dexter’s playful spirit and resilience, while its emotional depth touched me as an adult, making it a delightful read for all ages.
This is a sweet, inspiring story for families to enjoy together!

A beautifully illustrated book based on a true story of a dog who doesn't let his disability get in the way of what he loves to do. The actual accident came very abruptly and was quickly glossed over. I think that might be confusing to some kids. But overall a very heartwarming message about perseverance and resilience as Dexter learns to walk on 2 legs, just like the rest of his family. I think a lot of kids and adults will enjoy this story.

This is an adorable story of a dog that overcame his disabilities of loosing a leg. Dexter loved running and having fun with his family. He loved his life so much he adapted to his new normal by learning to walk standing up.

This is a great story to teach children to never give up on something you want. It also teaches them with life seem to get hard it can turn around and be positive again. I recommend this book to parents of very young as a read aloud, children of any age to read to themselves, and to pet lovers of any age.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

I was not really aware of the story behind this picture book and holy sh*t did the car accident come out of nowhere for me. While being based on a true story is really cool, this might be a bit much for more sensitive kids. It does have a happy ending and some kids will really connect with it.

4 stars