**Book Review: *Dexter: The Stand-Up Dog***

Based on the real-life story of the internet-famous pup, *Dexter: The Stand-Up Dog* tells the heartwarming tale of a dog who doesn’t let adversity slow him down. After losing the use of his front legs, Dexter learns to walk upright, defying expectations and inspiring everyone around him. The illustrations are warm and charming, and the message of resilience and love is clear and uplifting — especially for younger readers.

However, like many books built around viral internet stars, the story sometimes feels more like a celebration of fame than a fully fleshed-out narrative. While Dexter’s journey is undeniably moving, the book leans heavily on the novelty of his real-life stardom, which may leave some readers wishing for deeper storytelling or more emotional nuance.

Still, for dog lovers and fans of feel-good stories, *Dexter* is an inspiring read with a powerful reminder: with love and determination, even the unthinkable can become possible.

I wanted to review this book because I used to have a dog with special needs and so I know first hand the amazing feats that dogs can accomplish when pushed to their limits. The artwork in this book does such a good job at reflecting the cuteness of Dexter and still showing how amazing he was. The images are friendly, colorful, fun, and perfect for children to look at when reading this book.

The text overall tells a very cute story, keeping details basic, yet extremely entertaining and compelling. The story follows Dexter and how he came to come home to his family, the accident that cost him so much, and how he overcame his disability to get what he wanted and ended up becoming famous along the way!

The story is so cute and I would definitely buy this book to share with my children. I think it's a great example of how you (or pets) can do anything you set your mind to if you work hard enough and you can overcome any hurdle in your way.

I read this to my kids whose grandparents had a Brittney Spaniel and I had no idea this was based on a true story! My kids loved it and when we finished, we started looking at the true story and it is a great teaching moment for my kids too. This book was sweet and the illustrations were cute. I would definitely buy not just for dog lovers, but kids in general because of the message of trying over and over, to not give up.

The cutest children's book that shows perseverance and strength. That even when things are hard, there is always a way to get where you are going.

The illustrations were perfect to for the story, Bonnie Kelso and Kentee Pasek did a beautiful job.

I received an advance review copy audio version. Thank you to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing, for the opportunity to read this book.

This was, overall, a very sweet story about resilience and overcoming adversity told by way of a dog whose front leg was amputated after being hit by a car. While I think the message was good, the book as a whole was fairly middle-of-the-road for me. I do think the subject matter could be a little upsetting for some children if they’re particularly sensitive about animals being hurt.

Dexter the Stand Up Dog is a cute story about a dog who, after an accident, is injured and ends up losing one of his front legs. Instead of just accepting that he is unable to do things that he used to be able to do, this resilient and determined dog teaches himself to walk on his hind legs like a human, and in the process, becomes a source of joy and motivation during a challenging time in the world. Very sweet story with a great message to never give up, despite the circumstances. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

I downloaded this book for Camp NetGalley. Very cute book overall, would be great if you have a young child and need to explain a limb difference in a dog. Some of the text was not readable at all on screen where it was dark text on a dark background, this included the bios at the end of the two people.

This was a cute story but I wish there was a little more adventure in it. I read it to my son and he wasn’t to most thrilled with it. Overall it was cute but probably wouldn’t become a favorite in our house.

I chose this book to review because I am a huge animal and dog person and thought Dexter was super cute. While I did enjoy the story in the book and that it could give a good message about facing challenges and overcoming them, I honestly thought the material was a little mature for at least young kids. Maybe just because I loved animals so much when I was younger, reading about a dog getting hit by a car would have made me upset. I also thought it was an interesting touch to add the staying home portion and show that’s how he became famous.
Overall and cute story other than the deeper material.
Thanks for letting me have an e-Arc!

I don’t review many children’s books, but I grabbed this one because I follow and adore Dexter (he’s the same breed as my childhood dog, Brittany’s are best!) and because I’ve been reading a million books to my 3 year old nephew lately.

I think he’d love most of the book. The story is easy to follow with themes of family and belonging, and the illustrations are colorful and realistic. Definitely high production value!

The only thing that gives me hesitation is the page where Dexters accident occurs. The injury isn’t shown and the story is really well done around this section especially, but the actual page has a giant car shown from the perspective of a dog close to the ground. As a pretty sensitive kid, I think it would frighten him. It’s not so bad that I wouldn’t give it a shot, but I would probably try to get past that page quickly.

Overall, great pick for animal lovers and maybe a slightly older subset of picture book readers!

This is a cute, heartwarming true story about a dog who is injured and learns to walk on two legs. The words and illustrations seem a bit amateurish, but kids will enjoy the action illustrations of Dexter zooming around his home.

What a charming and inspiring story about Dexter, a darling dog who was injured when hit by a car. He lost one leg and another was so badly hurt that he couldn't use it to walk. Tired of being constrained by a two-wheel contraption designed to help him walk, he learned to walk upright on his back two legs. Amazing! And became an internet sensation beloved by all. I adore this book and so will readers 6-8 years. Highly recommended!

This was such a cute story, and I especially loved the fact that it was based off of a true story! With a story this fun and entertaining, children are sure to love it and consider it a quick favorite! I love that it has such a positive and upbeat message ♥️ The illustrations were absolutely adorable as well!
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I received a complimentary arc of this book from NetGalley. All opinions listed are purely my own.

I just finished Dexter by Bonnie Kelso and Kentee Pasek, and wow, what an unforgettable read! This heartwarming children’s book follows the inspiring journey of a lovable dog who loses a leg but never loses his spirit. I laughed, I cried, and I hugged my own dogs a little tighter. As a proud dog mom of five, this story hit home in the best way possible. Based on a true story, Dexter’s courage and sweetness leap off the page, showing that even life’s biggest challenges can’t keep a good pup down. If you’re searching for your child’s next favorite bedtime story, the kind they’ll beg to hear again and again, Dexter is it. A must-read for dog lovers of all ages!

This is a charming story that introduces children to special needs dogs. As someone who owns three special needs pups and has fostered a three-legged dog, I found the book enjoyable. I appreciate the publisher/author for providing this complimentary advanced copy. The opinions shared in this review are entirely my own.

This was a very sweet book about resilience, hope, and moving forward after a setback. I think it was done tastefully, and in a way that children wouldn't find too scary, but they may find it upsetting. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! Hello from Colorado, Dexter!

This is the story of Dexter....a dog not unlike yours and mine, but given a new challenge that must be overcome in order to live his best life. With determination, desire, and a healthy dose of puppy stubbornness, Dexter turns what could've been an ending that came way too soon into something inspirational, uplifting, and powerful. Through his Dexter steps, he's lived a life in the public eye that not every fur baby gets the chance to live, but he still knows the real treasure is having a family and home to come to at the end of the day.

A tail (I mean, TALE) filled with love and can do spirit that'll bring a smile to your heart.

Thanks, Netgalley for the arc!

I downloaded this book based on the cover because it was so adorable. Not knowing the real life story of Dexter, I truly was not ready for the emotional whiplash of his story in this book! I read these children's books with my nephew (1.5 years old) in mind and I don't think the illustrations and the immediacy of the event were necessary for depicting the trials Dexter went through to learn to walk again. The story should have started post-accident, in the hospital without the happiness of the adoption process IMMEDIATELY leading to him getting hit by a car.

I was taken aback by the flow and would not pick up this book to read to a small child.

Giving a star for the illustration, but disliked the flow and structure of the story. Dexter himself is a courageous and inspirational pup.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Gnome Road Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read this as an arc!

Dexter: The stand up dog tells the story of Dexter, an adorable internet star, and how his life changed after an unfortunate accident.

This a story of hope, of courage and love. Dexter was just a puppy when he had an accident that left him incapable of using his front legs. After that, we see him work to overcome the obstacles of this new life. Dexter's story is full of important messages, from danger to learning how to overcome obstacles without losing your spirit and with the help of family.

Dexter is a sweet dog who found his forever home, and loved to run around and play. After an accident, he loses one of his front legs and is sad about not being able to move around as quickly. But with determination and his family's support, he finds a way to travel on his hind legs, inadvertently spreading joy in his silly new skill.

The story is simple, but incredibly sweet. A pandemic internet sensation, Dexter's story still resounds regardless of its fame; it teaches us to press on, even when we don't feel capable, and that with support, we can overcome our hurdles. It's a lovely moral both for children and for adults, with the bonus of a cute pet at its center.

Some of the text is a bit hard to read on pages where the illustrations are darker, but it is otherwise a truly wonderful mini escape into Dexter's world that I'd recommend to anyone, whether they are currently struggling or not.

Thanks to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Rating: 4 stars

Review posted to StoryGraph: June 7, 2025 (https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/998f49bf-d32c-4ade-8ab1-9f4cf2cf9cd3?redirect=true)