Adorable picture book for elementary age kids. It is about a dog that hurts in a car accident but learns to find a new way to walk and thrive after losing a front leg. As a dog owner, I was surprised about the dog's injury, but the book focuses on how the owner and Dexter find ways to move past the potentially devastating lose of a limb. Dexter learned to walk on his back legs and his owner spread his joy with the world through social media. I think this would be a great book for families that have a pet with an injury or limb loss to see how Dexter handles his new life. It could possibly be good for children with similar injuries to see that it is possible to find happiness in new and different ways.
#Dexter #NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Just read Dexter: The Stand-Up Dog to my kids and I’m obsessed 🐶❤️ This isn’t just a sweet picture book, it’s based on a REAL dog named Dexter who learned to walk on two legs after an accident. It’s the most inspiring, feel-good story about resilience, love, and never giving up, even when life gets tough. The illustrations are adorable, and knowing it’s all true makes it hit even harder. Perfect for kids AND grown-ups who need a little reminder to keep going. 💪 #DexterTheStandUpDog #PictureBooks #TrueStory #DogLovers #BookReview

This is the story of Dexter, the 3-legged stand up dog that capture many hearts during the Pandemic. A sweet story with even sweeter illustrations. An inspiring book for kids who need a boost of can-do attitude!

Thank you to Gnome Road Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

“The Dog Who Stood Up and Kept Going”

Dexter, The Stand Up Dog, reminds us that what happened to us doesn’t have to define us. Dexter, an upright walking three-legged Britanny Spaniel – shares his heartwarming journey from rescued dog to influencer. After a sudden major accident that left him with only one front leg, Dexter shocked everyone, including his dog’s mom – by teaching himself to walk upright on his two back legs. His stand-up walking style amazed many people in his hometown, Colorado, and gained even more attention after his videos were shared on Instagram platform. His positivity has touched hearts across the country and helped him reclaim his joy.

I appreciated how the illustrations perfectly capture Dexter’s personality – playful, determined, and full of heart. It’s a great read for preschoolers and early elementary kids, offering a gentle but powerful message about resilience. I’d love to see more books about Dexter’s adventures around the country. This one reminds us how much we can learn from our humans’ best friends.

Thank you Netgalley and Gnome Road Publishing for the e-ARC. I truly appreciate it

Lovely story with lovely illustrations.

However I get help but remember that sometimes people train their dogs to walk on two hind legs and that it can be harmful for them? I don't know if that's the case for Dexter however.

This is a simple, happy book about a viral sensation of a dog and the way in which his story has encouraged others around him. I wasn't familiar with Dexter's videos before reading this book so I went and researched them on my own, and can understand their appeal. Dexter's attitude throughout his experience shows his attitude and his determination. He doesn't think about what he can no longer do because of his accident; instead, he's focused on what he CAN do, trying to enjoy his life to the fullest as he comes back home with his family. Although they may not have realized it at the time, he was an aptly-named pup because "Dexter" means "skilled."

The family's love and care for Dexter throughout his accident and recovery send a sweet message, as do the way that they encourage him as he starts walking about on his hind legs. However, the book glosses over the very real danger that he was in and the likely worry that it caused in order to get to the feel-good parts about his unexpected fame, which affects the overall story. The reader sees him in the hospital and then sees him at home, with some notes about how it was difficult but no further description of his recovery and therapy process, things that were necessary for his further development. Seeing these details, along with those about the changes that the family made around the house in order for Dexter to be more comfortable, would have added weight to to the story for young readers. By understanding the full scope of what Dexter had to overcome, including adapting to the challenges that remain, children would get a realistic understanding of what it's like to have a pet with a disability. The happy stuff is important, but the reality of the journey to get there is, too.

(As a side note, it's interesting to think about, on a meta level, people and animals who have become big hits in the digital world as the subject for children's books, but it makes complete sense in context.)


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Gnome Road Publishing, for this DRC in exchange for a fair and honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

This was a cute story of overcoming adversity, resilience and perseverance. I was intrigued that it was based on a true story and my kids and I enjoyed the storytelling. The illustrations were also very nice, colorful, had movement! and told a story themselves.

The only thing that didn’t work for me was there were several pages where the text was black against a dark background color making it extremely difficult to read. It would have been a much more pleasant and seamless experience if those pages had white or light colored text against the dark background.

A heartwarming story about thriving despite injury and disability in a form of a story about a dog who lost a leg after being hit by a car, but then learned to walk just on his hind legs, and became an inspiration for everyone who witnessed his resilience and enthusiasm.

However, I feel like the art could use some improvements especially with composition: some images look overly busy while others have too much blank space. The writing also feels stilted, as if it couldn't decide is it supposed to be conversational, or an attempt at rhyming.

This book was SO cute! It showed overcoming adversity and how important a dog is to a family. I think this is a great way to show how to find the positive in bad things that happen.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for providing a free of charge eARC in exchange for an honest review.

With the rise in popularity of internet celebrities, including dogs, it is lovely to see a selection of books appearing that capitalise on this. Not only do they encourage children to read, and give opportunity for families to read together, they also make great gifts.

This book follows Dexter, who after having a front leg amputated as a result of an accident started to walk using just his hind legs, and became an internet sensation. There is opportunity here for teaching children about accepting differences, and also about overcoming obstacles, and not letting disabilities stop you from achieving whatever you want.

Thank you to Bonnie Kelso (co-author and illustrator), Kentee Pasek (co-author), Gnome Road Publishing, and Netgalley for this advanced reader copy of "Dexter: The Stand Up Dog" for an honest review.

As an aunt with several young nieces and nephews and a supporter/owner of rehabbed pets, I had to read this one. I love the simplicity and the bright colors. The tremendous excitement of the dog at the beginning, the repetition of learning to count, and the continued effort to try (one-two-three, giving us the lesson, it takes steps to get somewhere, not just the first one ever).

I did feel my heart swell with nervousness, concern, and empathy for the car accident, as well as the leg that was broken, as well as the one that was amputated, but it was such a great way to show that we don't stop even then. That we learn brand new ways of doing things—which again take multiple steps to accomplish, and sometimes many attempts before success. I loved that it brought him fame and joy, inspiring others, to show that there's an even bigger domino/ripple effect of putting in the hard work and then embracing with joy what makes you different.

I'm definitely getting copies of this one to gift once it publishes!



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Minor problems: I did find it incredibly hard to read certain parts where it was white font on light blue (ie., copyright page) or white font on almost pure white background (I can't read anything on the woman giving Dexter a treat page and only barely make out the words at the top of the next page),

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.