I picked up this title because it was part of Camp NetGalley. The concept is cute. I had not heard of Dexter, so knowing that it has a biographical element made it more enjoyable.

That said, the story feels a little too simple (perhaps because it can be a tricky one since it’s got such a sad middle), but the art and layout is the big hold up here. The drawings are fine, but the style overall really isn’t one I love. It’s also illegible at several points in the book. If I hadn’t been reading a digital proof where I was able to highlight the text for clarity, several pages wouldn’t have been decipherable. It gives self-published vibes, which is a real shame. Books should be accessible and legible for everyone, including those with lower vision needs. This is especially important in a book that addresses finding a way to overcome a differing ability.

"Dexter: The Stand-Up Dog" by Bonnie Kelso & Kentee Pasek is an uplifting true story that shows how far love, hope, resilience, and perseverance can carry you—even on two legs. I love dogs and have had them all my life, so the blurb immediately captured me. This was my first Camp NetGalley book, and what a great choice it was!

Dexter was adopted by his family when he was just a puppy. Like all puppies, he was energetic, curious, and mischievous. After a tragic accident, he lost one front leg and couldn’t walk very well on the other. His family gave him a two-wheel wagon, but it was too slow for his taste. Determined to go faster, he practiced and practiced—and it paid off. He learned to walk on two legs to the amazement of his family. Pretty soon, he was a social media sensation, and rightly so.

I looked him up on social media and was amazed. It’s hard to believe until you see it with your own eyes. I especially related to his story, as I had a dog who also went through a similar accident and became disabled. My dog didn’t lose his leg, but after surgery, he couldn’t bend it.

Dexter’s journey was both touching and inspiring—it made me feel for him and want to hug him. I loved the message of the story: that any challenge can be overcome, one step at a time. We could all take a leaf from Dexter’s book. With minimal text and charming illustrations, the book shows that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.

The illustrations were lovely—simple but very effective—and helped me connect emotionally to the tale. There were a couple of pages where the dark background made the text hard to read, so the author may want to adjust that before publication.

Overall, I loved the book! It’s a great choice to read to children or have them read on their own. It teaches important life lessons, empathy, and an appreciation for life. Full stars from me! Dexter is surely one lucky dog!.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

5⭐

Thank you NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book and I'm excited to participate in my first ever Camp NetGalley!

This book, that is based on a true story, was so sweet, and I loved the artwork in it. While the audience is geared towards children, this book has such a lovely message about dogs with a missing leg that I think it's for everyone! It was heartwarming to see so many people around the world inspired by his perseverance to regain his mobility, and I was right there with everyone else. I think this is going to be such a great message and story to read to children to inspire them to never give up.

Oh my heart! What an absolutely beautiful book that addresses disability, rescue animals, the pandemic, and found family. Dexter, a goofy, rambunctious puppy learns to makes the best of becoming disabled, then becoming an internet star. Through all of his adventures, Dexter finds the best adventure is loving and being loved by his family.

Rating: 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

This book was sweet and adorable and covers some difficult topics at a developmentally friendly level for mid age kiddos. It leaves a message of perseverance. .

Omg! What an adorable book! I love it! I will be buying the book for friends with young children. It was such an inspirational book. Illustration were so good!

This book is such a beautiful, inspiring gem—based on a true story that’ll tug at your heartstrings in the best way. 🐾💛

With minimal words and stunning illustrations, it tells the story of Dexter, a sweet pup who loses a limb in an accident—but doesn’t lose his spirit. Through trial, error, and a whole lot of courage, Dexter adapts to his new life and (literally) climbs the steps back to joy.

It’s a powerful reminder for kids and adults that even when life throws you a curveball, hope and determination can carry you forward. A must-read for anyone who needs a little extra reminder that strength comes in all shapes (and paws).

Dexter: The Stand Up Dog is a beautiful story that opens children to having conversations about the impact of tragic accidents, what it means to have equitable and accessible opportunities, being able to find the light in situations that seem so dark, and finding the courage to embrace who you are in all ways possible.

Dexter's story of resilience and perseverance is incredibly inspiring and something that I would highly recommend introducing to elementary school libraries and the children's section of public libraries. The story is organic in how it progresses, easily digestible for both upper and lower elementary school children, and the illustrations are beautiful and vibrant, which will keep readers engaged.

Additionally, this book is an excellent tool to help children understand that things are still possible for those with physical disabilities, whether it's their beloved pet, a friend, a family member, or themselves. Everything is still possible if you work towards your goals, even if things look a little different now. You may have to fight for equity and accessibility in the world, but making your voice heard and standing up for what is right is always an important lesson to be learned.

An inspiring story for everyone that’s based on a true story! This book talks about hope, persistence and courage to get through your obstacles no matter how tough. It uses minimal words and beautiful illustrations to get its point across not just to kids but to adults as well. The dog who loses a limb after an accident shows how he adapts to his new life with trial and error. Dexter literally conquers steps to get to the place that made him happy before and after his accident. There is always hope when you have the will and spirit to get to places.

Thanks to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for an advanced reading copy of Dexter in exchange for my honest opinion. This book will be released on September 16, 2025.

Dexter is a true story about a dog that is a beloved member of his family. He has a LOT of energy, and that energy gets him in a lot of trouble. After a car accident, Dexter loses his leg and hurts the other front one. It’s hard for him to move fast, so he learns to walk on 2 hind legs. He becomes a viral sensation during the covid 19 pandemic.

This is a heartwarming true story that children and adults should love!

"Dexter was determined. He tried again."

Ohmygosh what an adorable story!

Dexter: the Stand Up Dog is a picture book that features the true to life story of the internet sensation dog, Dexter. Prior to this, I unfortunately haven't heard of Dexter yet, but I'm so glad that this book just changed that!

It efficiently introduced and told Dexter's story—his adoption, him as a puppy, the life-changing accident, and how he overcame it. This is such an inspiring story from such an adorable dog. Dexter was a determined one who did not let what happened stop him from running and be the energetic and lovable boi that he is.

His inspiring story coupled with such colorful and beautiful illustrations just make this perfect!

Definitely recommend for kids as there's a lot they could learn from this adorable dog, and even for the kid-at-hearts who wants a quick introduction to Dexter.

After Dexter is injured in an accident, he overcomes being a tripod by teaching himself to walk upright like a biped. This is the story of his adoption into a loving home, his tragic accident, and his amazing recovery. The illustration style is playful and colorful. It was inspiring to meet Dexter and go on with him on his journey.

Sweet read about Dexter the dog, who picks himself up against after an accident. This was an uplifting story about strength, resilience and overcoming adversity. Perfect for dog lovers and owners!

The aesthetics really need some work though. Average art, inconsistent fonts and colours that clash. Why would you use black text on a navy background? It's irritating, a pain to read, and spoils the whole feel-good vibe of the book.

Dexter was such a cute story of perseverance! The illustrations of Dexter reminded me of the "poky little puppy" book from the golden books. I really enjoyed watching Dexter be a true dog have fun, get into mischief but sadly got hurt. His family stood by him and gave him all the love and healing to become the dog he is at the end! Nothing can stop him!

This is such a beautifully done book.
The story is heartwarming and inspiring and I think will help so many children who read it.
The artwork fits perfectly with the story and it’s just a truly lovely children’s book that would be a great addition to any kids bookshelf.

Wow! What an amazing and inspiring story. We meet Dexter, who due to an accident lost one of his paws. But that didn’t stop him from overcoming his obstacles. A story filled with resilience, accomplishment and love!!!

I read this story with my toddler. While he enjoyed it, it took an unexpected turn for me with the car accident. I did like how Dexter was able to overcome his new life challenges. He also managed to make it positive and bring joy to so many people.

A biographical tale of an adorable 3-legged dog that became internet famous during lockdown. The story is very cute and the illustrations are nice, but I was not drawn into the story. If I was a follower of Dexter I would have enjoyed it more. I would not reread, so it can only get 2 stars, despite being cute and enjoyable.

Who knew one little dog could walk tall and steal so many hearts?
Dexter: The Stand-Up Dog is an uplifting and inspiring story about a lovable pup who doesn’t let anything hold him back—not even the loss of his front legs. His resilience, charm, and pure joy for life are contagious.

This isn't just a book about a dog—it’s a reminder to keep going, stay kind, and embrace what makes us different. Perfect for animal lovers, dog parents, and anyone who needs a little dose of hope with their morning coffee.

Dexter truly is the goodest boy with the biggest spirit.

I absolutely loved reading this picture book! It was super inspirational, and I enjoyed hearing about Dexter's road to survival and thriving with his new reality. It is the PERFECT book to read to children because it shows them that they should never give up, despite challenging/unexpected circumstances that could happen. Thank you to Gnome Road Publishing and Netgalley for providing me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. :)