This is a cute picture book perfect for dog lovers. After a scary and disabling accident Dexter the dog is loses a leg and must adapt. This is an endearing story of perseverance based on a true story.

Thanks to Camp NetGalley for this opportunity to read and review “Dexter”! Who knew how famous Dexter was and now I am a new follower on his Instagram page! A picture book for kids and families to read together and help understand the transitions and reality that can happen with an accident.
What a special little dog! Dexter has captured the hearts of so many, young and old alike! Sometimes it’s hard for kids to adjust and accept change especially with a tragedy! Dexter is such a heartwarming and gentle book written to soften the blow and explain how to find joy out of trauma. Loved this children’s book and especially how Dexter conquers all!
I highly recommend this picture book for its simplicity and basic steps in how it reveals how to overcome something that seems unbearable to the family pet.
I loved how unique Dexter’s situation is and how he walks on two legs (like a human)! A superstar! Love Dexter and so happy for everyone who has the chance to read this adorable story, Dexter the Stand Up Dog!

This is a super cute children’s book about Dexter, the 3 legged dog, who learned to overcome an obstacle and live his best life. The car scene was a little much, but I think my son will enjoy this book!

Thank you Gnome Road Publishing for allowing me to read and review Dexter The Stand Up Dog by Bonnie Kelso (co-author and illustrator), Kentee Pasek (co-author) on NetGalley.

Published: 09/16/25

Stars: 4

Beautifully done. I enjoyed the illustrations and the story.

The dog, Dexter, gets out of the house and gets hit by a car. The story then proceeds pleasantly and realistically; the people reactions.

This was such a cute story about a puppy named Dexter who finds his forever home and then sadly loses one of his legs in an accident.

I think it would be a great resource to use to start a conversation about limb differences and how that can affect but not limit you!

It's a great story about resiliency and determination! The illustrations were well done and full of life, and brought a smile to my face while reading.
I'm off to read more about Dexter's life and internet stardom!

(jumpscare warning for mentions of COVID lockdowns - I hate seeing it mentioned, but that's just a personal thing).

(4.25/5 stars)

Dexter: The Stand Up Dog is a cute children's picture book by Bonnie Kelso and Kentee Pasek.

This was a really cute picture book featuring Dexter, a dog who lost a leg after an accident and figured out how to walk on his back legs. I hadn't heard of Dexter until reading this book, but I understand he is pretty viral on the internet.

I really enjoyed the illustrations throughout! They also did a great job with the layout of the text/illustrations on the page, and how they flow.

This uplifting story would be great for younger readers or anyone who likes stories of resilience.

4.5 stars!

This sweet little 40 page book had no business getting me in my feels so hard. I am the dog mom of two geriatric dachshunds with IVDD. Pups with mobility issues are very near and dear to my heart.

I loved the continuation of the One step, two steps, three! throughout the book. Brought it all full circle. The scenes in the hospital hit me hard but were a very good representation for children of what a family pet will go through and fully age appropriate.

I sort of wish the Covid and going viral hadn't been included, because I feel like this is something I would give my children to cope with a loved pets' injury and that isn't the expectation I would personally set. That said, if it's Dexter's life story, then it belongs.

The illustrations were adorable! I especially loved the mountains really driving home that Colorado feel.

This might just be me, but I struggled to read some of the words in the book when they were over darker colors, like grey or blue, because they’re written in black. Not sure if it’s easier to see on a hard copy.

This was such a great book! The illustrations were stunning! They seemed almost whimsical on some pages. This book is about Dexter, the dog. It follows his story from being adopted into a family as a puppy, to then getting injured by a car after going out into the road. I felt the author did this part very well with sensitivity, but it still may be hard or confusing for some kids. Dexter gets surgery and he’s now missing one front leg and the other is injured. His family gets him a doggie roller that hooks onto him so he can still zoom around.

This story teaches consequences, instills determination, and encourages resilience through the journey of a dog that got into an accident and lost his front legs. The setting was very recent as there was portrayal of how he further inspired more people on the internet during COVID.

Comment: There were a few pages (after the car accident) where I couldn't read the text because dark font color was used on dark background.

A cute story about the real life dog, Dexter, who, after losing a leg in an accident, learned to walk on two legs, Beautiful illustrations and a fun story. I just could have used more of it. It was very quick. I definitely looked up this dog online after reading the book.

A cute story, inspirational for sure. If my kid was the right age, I would read this to her. I was not familiar with Dexter before reading this book, but I definitely looked him up on IG!!

I love the show Colin from Accounts about an unlikely couple that adopts an injured dog. It’s so funny and heartwarming.

The new children’s book Dexter reminds me of the show because it also features an injured dog and the people who love him. It’s a true story with a simple and encouraging dose of perseverance and humanity that hits the spot right now. It’s out in September - check it out for yourself or the children in your life.

Thank you to @netgalley and @gnomeroadpublishing for the advance copy of this book for Camp NetGalley.

My kids loved the story of Dexter and how he overcome his hardships. It was a cute story and even better that it is based on true events. The illustrations were well done and there wasn’t too much writing that my two kids couldn’t follow along/stay engaged.

This was an adorable read! Dexter the puppy was so cute, a little sad but overall a wonderful book. I loved the illustrations they fit the storyline perfectly.

This was a very cute book detailing how Dexter, a hyperactive rambunctious pup overcomes a tragic event that left him with 3 legs. I love love loved that this was based on the author's experience with their dog Dexter, and how COVID led to the increase of internet/TikTok usage that spiked him to internet fame.

For a children's book, I did find the abruptness of Dexter being hit by a car and taken the the hospital a bit traumatic, how Dexter comes into his injury could be done in a more sensitive way depending on the expected age of the reader.

My biggest criticism, however, is the choice of font and font color. There are multiple pages where white font is on a white or light-blue background, and the only way for me to read it was to highlight it on my web browser. It would not read well at all in print format.

Adorable story, amazing puppy. Dexter is a cutie who deserves all of the happiness in the world.

This short book is fun, I do want to note that I don't think it's something I would read more than once.

I’m a sucker for feel-good stories and when you add in the dog, this was a no-brainer. I loved the story of Dexter, a typical puppy, full of energy and inquisitive to a fault, who learns to overcome his loss of a leg by walking upright. He finds a way to adapt to his new normal and becomes a celebrity while doing it. The illustrations were beautiful and conveyed his personality well. This is a good book to show children that you can overcome obstacles with ingenuity and resilience.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

This is an inspiring story about a dog overcoming a difficult injury through perseverance and determination. Given the danger and use of phones/social media, it’s perhaps most appropriate for kids age 6-8. I found the introduction of COVID/lockdown to be abrupt - there could be a better set up for this. The text alternates from black/white and is difficult to read at times.

This book was so cute. I read it to my son and we eventually looked up videos of Dexter after. He thought it was so funny that a dog would walk on his hind legs. This book is so sweet and highlights that sometimes your imperfections are what make you perfect!

Dexter: The Stand Up Dog is an absolute gem. It's heartwarming, beautifully and expressively illustrated, and packed with inspiration. Dexter’s real-life journey from injury to walking upright on two legs is nothing short of amazing, and the book captures his spirit with charm and joy. The vibrant, playful art adds so much personality, making each page a delight. It’s a powerful reminder that with resilience and a positive attitude, anything is possible. So genuinely charming and I think it's perfect for young readers!

*Thank you to Gnome Road Publishing for the advanced eARC in exchange for an honest review.