The children's book “Dexter” by Bonnie Kelso and Kentee Pasek follows the story of the dog Dexter that loses his leg through an accident and has to learn to walk again.

This was a short and sweet story that would wonderfully be suited for young children in my opinion. It explores the responsibility of caring for a pet and shows that you can overcome adversity.

My favorite aspect of this novel was that it is inspired by true events. Seeing pictures of the real “Dexter” was great!

Overall this was a solid read for children with cute illustrations and heart.

A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Gnome Road Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Bonnie Kelso, Kentee Pasek, and Gnome Road Publishing. I was given this book as an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I don’t typically gravitate toward children’s books. However, I was visiting family and happened to spot this ARC while scrolling a few days ago. It felt like perfect timing, especially with my 6 year old nephew (a big dog lover) nearby. He was completely drawn in by Dexter’s story and the adorable illustrations. Honestly, even if I hadn’t read it to him, he probably could’ve followed along just by looking at the pictures. They are well drawn and expressive. The heart of this book really shines through. The message about having determination and not letting a bad situation define you was empowering, especially for young readers. It gave us a lovely moment to talk about never giving up.

My only small critique is that the text was occasionally hard to read due to the dark background and dark text color.

I have not shared this review on social media yet but will soon.

What a cute story! This is a true story of Dexter, the three legged dog. He was a four legged dog until he escaped and was hit by a car (the pictures are not graphic at all and are fine for even the youngest readers). He survived but ended up losing a leg. However, he was determined to continue to run and climb stairs like he used to. Dexter learned to walk on his hind legs and impressed humans everywhere. The book touches on COVID - how everyone had to stay home and people watched videos of Dexter during this time. It may require some explaining to little ones, but the story is very cute and talks about determination, of a very cute dog. Included are pictures at the end of real life Dexter!

Many thanks to Gnome Road Publishing, Bonnie Kelso and Kentee Pasek, and NetGalley for the ARC of Dexter in exchange for an honest review.

What a heartwarming story of making lemonade with lemons in a way children can grasp and draw strength with various differences they might have with their peers, whether physical or emotional. Dexter shows that sometimes unexpected detours happen in life and they can have a negative impact on our life, but if we just change our view and keep our determination, we can shine happiness in our own lives and those of others around us and even around the world. This book is set in current times with the aspect of social media being used in a way to share positive stories, another important lesson that can be gathered from this book as well.

As a professional working in rehabilitation, this would be an amazing addition to waiting rooms of all kinds for children who are there for their own appointments or having to tag along to those of loved ones. A great storyline, great illustrations with flow and details without overwhelming amount of details that take away from the storyline.

It's very rare that I venture outside of my normal sci-fi/romance/paranormal genres but when I do, I am invariably pleased that I did so. Dexter: the Stand Up Dog is one of those choices. This story is a warm hug of a picture book with a few sentences on most pages to expand the story. But it's the pictures that really convey the message. Dexter starts out as a puppy - very high energy, lots of snuggles and warmth and "zoomies" around the house. Crazy accidents and lots of near misses which are par for the course with any young animal or even a child. And when an outside getaway leads to a more serious incident, both Dexter and his family of humans are stopped short by the new reality of his physicality. Dexter doesn't let this keep him down and with practice and patience, he finds a new way of moving and proving that you can't keep a good pup down.
My only negative about this otherwise delightful little story is that there are several pages where the printing (black) is on a dark background (black, grey, blue, and green) which makes it very challenging to read.
I appreciated the light touch for the message: staying positive even in the face of challenges is how we heal and move forward. Dwelling on the past, the negative, does no-one any good.

What a fun little book that turns hard times and tragedy into a life lesson of never giving up and always pushing forward.

When Dexter gets overambitious and has an accident causing his life to change forever, he pursues and never gives up. Even in the harder, darker days when everyone had to stay home- he was a light in the darkness, helping to put smiles on everyone's faces. I enjoyed this children's book as it is, a children's book- but it also had so much more to it. The deeper concepts of life are right there within the pages, The authors did such a fantastic job not making this book a sad book, but giving hope to everyone who reads it. You can do hard things! No matter what, don't let giving up be an option.

A+ for the writing and A+ for the illustrations! They were both so amazing and creative. I enjoyed getting to know Dexter through each page.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and place an honest review for it.

Dexter is the story of a determined pup learning to overcome losing a limb so that he can still be a puppy.

The story is heart-warming. The illustrations are adorable.

This is the perfect book to give to children who need to see that we can overcome obstacles. It will be a great addition to my elementary library, and I would recommend it for both elementary and public libraries.

As it is nonfiction, I would encourage librarians to display the book because otherwise it may get overlooked.

Thank you Net Galley and Gnome Road Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is a cute story about Dexter, a dog that learned how to walk on his back two legs after losing one in an accident. The story is told for young readers to understand that anything is possible, even for a dog with only three legs. I loved the illustrations and the story of Dexter's life.

The message is a positive one for everyone who reads this book. Dexter spread sunshine wherever he went, bringing joy to those who interacted with him.

A great story to read to younger children, reinforcing that there is always an answer to a problem, you just have to look for it.

This was such a cute read! My 2.5-year-old loved it and stayed engaged the whole time—definitely a hit in our house. While I’d say it’s probably best suited for ages 3–5 in terms of content and themes, my toddler was able to follow along easily and even asked for more when we finished.

The illustrations are absolutely adorable, and the pacing felt perfect for a younger audience. I was pleasantly surprised to realize I’d actually seen Dexter on social media before—such a sweet moment when that clicked while reading! What a lovable dog and a heartwarming story.

This sweet enduring story is a must read for children and adults. Dexter finds himself a loving family who appreciate his puppy energy. One day, Dexter jumps the family's fence and Dexter is critically injured. The dog must learn to navigate life without a limb. His determination earns him respect from others, especially during the pandemic. I highly recommend this book for children to process pets' injuries and pandemic frustration.

Thank you #NetGalley, #BonnieKelso, #KenteePasek, and #GnomeRoadPublishing for my ARC; this review is my honest opinion.

‘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.’

Such a sweet little read about resilience and triumph following a frightening puppy incident. My granddaughter had me read it to her several times.

Thank you Gnome Road Publishing!

Pub: 9.16.2025.

Dexter brings joy to everyone he meets and this book certainly brought a smile to my face. A true example of perseverance! A story every dog lover is going to cherish!

A really cute illustrated book that moved me. My first dog became a three-legged dog like Dexter when she was unfortunately already old, but she did her best not to give up. I would have loved to read Dexter alongside her, but I was thinking about her the whole time.

I think it's a book that can touch everyone and give a different perspective on these special resilient dogs, especially when you realise at the end that it is based on a true story.
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Thanks to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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Un albo illustrato davvero carino e che mi ha emozionata. La mia prima cagnolina è diventata un cane a tre zampe come Dexter quando purtroppo era già anziana, ma ha fatto del suo meglio per non arrendersi. Avrei voluto tanto leggere Dexter di fianco a lei, ma l'ho pensata tutto il tempo.

Credo sia un albo che possa toccare sia grandi che piccini e che possa dare un prospettiva diversa su questi speciali cani resilienti, soprattutto quando alla fine realizzi che è tratto da una storia vera.
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Si ringraziano NetGalley e Gnome Road Publishing per una copia del libro in cambio di una recensione onesta.

A sweet story about a resilient dog. The books is beautiful and easy to read and understand. This a good book for kids.

Oh my goodness! What a sweet dog! I have never been introduced to Dexter prior to this book but what a good boy!! I loved reading his story and I think it will be very enjoyable for young readers and adults alike.

Only negative: some of the words were difficult to read on 3-4 pages due to the black font and coloring of the page. It may just be due to the digital version but not sure if it would be any better in the physical copy.

The story was great and the illustrations even better!

I had never heard of Dexter the 3-Legged Dog before reading this book, and my son is 9 (I read that the recommended age range is 6-8), but he still enjoys the occasional easy reader and loves pictures, though he tends more toward middle-grade reads at this point. With all that being said, this was an easy book to read and follow. Although I had never heard of this dog, we immediately finished the story and looked him up. He is indeed a cutie. I love the inspiration that this dog brings after everything he went through, and he has adapted to his new way of life. I just think it is sweet. The illustrations are lovely and well done, and the story is to the point and highlights a lot of wonderful times that this dog and his family have had. My son gives this a 5/5 as he loved everything about it.

What a sweet and inspirational little pup!

After an harrowing accident that easily could've ended his life, rescue pup Dexter fought against the odds to live his very best life.... and on two legs rather than four!

Adorable book with darling illustrations....and check out Dexter's instagram profile @dexterdogouray, he's absolutely precious!

Dexter, wishing you long life of happiness, belly rubs and treats! 🐶 ❤️

A sweet story of determination after tragedy and how one dog can bring joy to many. Thank you Gnome Road Publishing for this ARC.

I wasn’t aware of Dexter and his disability until this book, he is so awesome! He is a champion for dogs and humans to show that no matter what obstacles you encounter there is always a way forward (no pun intended) if you persevere. Not sure I’d read this to kindergartners as the accident might be too traumatic. The illustrations are very well done and the layout with the text is fun. Will recommend this.

Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
by: Bonnie Kelso (co-author and illustrator)
Kentee Pasek (co-author)
Gnome Road Publishing
Pub Date: 9/16/25
Children's Nonfiction / Entertainment & Pop Culture

Dexter is a rescue dog who was adopted and loved by a special family. Sadly, he was in a tragic accident which affected the use of his front legs. Co-authors Kelso and Pasek tenderly and gently present his inspirational story in picture book form for children. Kelso's illustrations are engaging and beautifully presented.

Since the story deals with some difficult subject matter, I would suggest that parents, caregivers, and teachers use discretion when choosing age and ability level appropriateness for children. The book has a valuable lesson about overcoming adversity and challenges.

I received a complimentary advance reader's copy from NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing. My review is my own.
#DexterDogOuray #NetGalley