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

Dexter wouldn't let anything slow him down! What a great story about enjoying life and being determined. I loved that Dexter's take on walking on two legs was that he was taller and had a better view! Dexter is a sweetheart who loves life and making others happy. This would be a great book for young children dealing with an injured pet.

Thank you to Gnome Publishing and to NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

My 4 year old and I really liked this book! A very sweet story based on real life events. A great book about overcoming challenges in your own unique way.

We especially loved the inclusion of the photo at the back of the real Dexter and his mom (the author) and a QR code so we could learn more about Dexter.

Unfortunately, it is hard to read the white writing on some of the background colors chosen for the pages. My child was also confused about how and why Dexter woke up with only 3 legs since the story didn't explicitly state that the leg was amputated or why, just that it was "missing".

Overall a very cute read with nice illustrations!

Thank you to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story introduces us to Dexter a cute little pup who is playful and fast. However one day something bad happens and Dexter is hit by a Car and his whole world is turned upside down as he has to adapt to now being disabled. This story is great for the animal lover and for kids with its teaching lessons about overcoming adversity. As an adult I enjoyed the quick read but It is mostly geared to a child being a short story with lots of pictures. I would give this 5 stars for a kid to read.

Thank you to NetGalley & Gnome Road Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Dexter is a children's picture book about a dog that overcame a terrible accident and brought joy and happiness to lots of people. Dexter lost a front leg and was somehow able to walk upright on his back legs. People love a story of overcoming adversity. There's lots of color and movement in this book. This would be great for any child. A few of the pages are pretty busy and some ideas could have been moved to separate pages.

A good story for kids

Dexter is so stinking adorable. What a cute story! I read this to my little cousin and she absolutely loved it! Thank you for the ARC!

Dexter the Stand-Up Dog was a great book. Not only does it show how to overcome a challenge, but it shows that life isn’t always perfect or easy. It teaches children to spread joy, kindness, and positivity as well. I can’t wait to get a physical copy to add to my children’s bookshelf.

I became aware of Dexter and his story back in 2020 when videos of him started going viral so I was excited to see there was a picture book about him! This is a great picture book for preschool/kindergarten age groups. The sentences aren't too complicated, nice illustrations, and tells a great story about perseverance. It also does a great job of acknowledging sad/difficult circumstances (the accident that led to Dexter's injury/the loss of his leg) without being too distressing for young readers. Overall, pet lovers of any age will likely find this story enjoyable.

In the e-book copy there are a few pages where the text is hard to read because it's dark text on a dark background. This might not be an issue in the print copy, but something to be aware of digitally.

This was wholesome and cute, slightly a hard topic for young children but such is the reality of a family with a dog when tragedy may strike. Dexter was super cute, and can show kids that working hard despite something bad happening, will help you reach your goals and come back stronger and better then ever.

Not to be dramatic but I would do anything for Dexter. I love the artwork and the story was so sweet. Definitely a cute read and definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a book for kids about perservering even despite tough circumstances.

Thank you to Gnome Road Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Dexter is a happy puppy who loves to go on adventures. When an accident causes the loss of his front leg, Dexter uses his grit and determination to make the best of his situation.

I read this with my five-year-old and we both loved it. The book offers valuable lessons about perseverance and finding the silver lining in every cloud. The illustrations are adorable and my son was thrilled to learn that Dexter is a real dog. Highly recommended!

I had the opportunity to read this book thanks to NetGalley.
I wasn’t familiar with Dexter's story before, but it's truly heartwarming. The illustrations are delightful, and the story is incredibly uplifting. It’s a beautiful tale of resilience and determination.

Dexter, the dog, has so much to teach us. His journey reminds us to persevere, never give up, and that with willpower and determination, we can overcome challenges and achieve great things.

This book not only tells a touching story but also delivers an important life lesson that will inspire readers of all ages.

This is such adorable dog that deserves all the attention (and a book too.) The story could have ended by Dexter surviving the accident but being bipedal and an internet sensation adds the special sauce of this book. It resonates encouragement and resilience to those who are down at the time of the pandemic. The book is enjoyable and I love the artwork. Fans and non-fans will love and treasure this book.