Dexter is about a dog who finds his forever home, then he is hit by a car. After going to the vet, he is helped out and returns home. This story is inspiring, showing readers how Dexter overcame a struggle in his life. I think this book is perfect to have in a school or public library, and I will be getting this book for my elementary school's library. Children will love this inspiring story.

I have been following Dexter the bipedal dog via social media for a while. I was excited to read a review copy of his story in children's book format. The book is cute, but some of the black text on dark illustrations was very hard to read. Overall, I enjoyed the story. However, the description of the accident that led to the loss of one of Dexter's legs may be a little scary for young readers.

Thanks to Gnome Road Publishing and NetGalley for a review copy of this title.

I didn't love this book for my kids. There are a lot of great stories out there and a lot that are not so great. I'm very tired of social media and views / clicks / likes / shares. I'm trying to keep my kids away from that type of stuff in everyday life, so I'm not thrilled to see it portrayed in their books.

This is such a true, heartwarming story about an outgoing (and sometimes mischievous) pup named Dexter, finding his forever home. One day, Dexter ran out of the house, and was hit by a car. His family took him to the vet, and there he was taken care of! When he came back home, he wasn’t the same, but insistent on getting back to his old self! Three legs and determination, Dexter became a stand up dog, who shared his uniqueness with the world at a time when happiness was most needed!

This book is about a special little dog who shows us that, with determination, he could overcome all odds and live life to the fullest.
He even became an inspiration to others during Covid 19 lockdown.

The illustrations are really well made and cute, and the writing is aimed at a younger audience.
My 3 year old nephew very much enjoyed reading this story with me!

Loved this beautiful story so much!

Dexter is such an inspiring dog, handling so much pain and still being so full of life!

Bring your tissues, you will be crying happy tears over this very good dog!

I hadn’t heard of Dexter before seeing this book but thought the story sounded very inspiring. I wasn’t disappointed! Dexter is adopted by a family but then one day manages to get out of the house and is involved in a bad accident. Dexter then has to over come his injury and shows what it’s like to be resilient. This is a great book for kids to learn how to overcome any challenges they may face.

the story was cute. as a children's librarian i can see it being a popular choice among the kids, however the white words on light blue backgrounds make it almost impossible to read some parts

This was so sweet and cute. I would recommend this for young readers to introduce them to the idea of disabilities and the differently abled. I think this was a great book and the story was engaging and was not tragic as it could have been because of the story.

this was adorable! my son loved it. the artwork was welldone and the story was easy to follow. will recomend this one to other parents with young children

I hadn't realized the nature and backstory of this book when I took. Having read it, it would be too niche of a book to have at home. My kids are really sensitive to animals and this would destroy them at their age. I think it would, however, be an excellent book for kids who are directly impacted by limb difference to cope or to help normalize people/animals with differences in general.

Dexter is a cutie! What a cute and motivating book. The illustrations were also well done and relevant!!

Dexter, by Bonnie Kelso and Kentee Paskek, is a sweet picture book about the real-life dog named Dexter who learned to walk on his hind legs after losing a leg. Dexter was badly injured when he was hit by a car, but he became famous during Covid lock-down when his family posted videos of him walking on his two hind legs. This picture book is written simply enough for preschoolers and early readers to easily understand. I especially liked the way the car accident was handled -- in illustration only -- so that children can put the story together for themselves at whatever level they understand it. In this way, a difficult topic was handled sensitively but not overdone. This book would be a great addition to any elementary classroom or school library, especially as a growth mindset example of perseverance. I look forward to recommending this book to other educators, parents, and grandparents.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the authors for the chance to read and review this adorable picture book!

Dexter: The Stand Up Dog by Bonnie Kelso is a super cute children's book that is based on a true story. I've never heard of Dexter before, but now I do. I think this is an amazing story. Dogs are very special creatures, and they are so smart. This story is super easy to follow. The illustrations are beautiful. I think the story would entertain and interest kiddos. I think this is a very special picture book. This story explores the themes of hope, recovery, resilience, love, and courage.

I really enjoyed this story. Dexter is such a special dog. His story was inspiring. Dexter never gave up. I think that kids will love his story. I loved the illustrations. Everything was bright and beautiful.

I didn't know Dexter's story before reading this book and I was charmed! I downloaded this as part of Camp NetGalley. The illustrations were fun and the story was written in a way that I think young children could follow along and enjoy. The tense and word choice in some sentences seemed off to me, but I was able to keep going.
As a disabled reader, I bring a wary lens when reading disabled stories. I liked that Dexter's story focused on his determination, his adaptation to his new reality, and the joy he brought to others - especially the disabled children in a hospital setting! I also liked that the pandemic was represented in a legitimate and neutral way.
I would consider buying this to read to children in my life.

Awww, I love this! Dexter really is a good boy and this book is full of good vibes and positivity.

Dexter is a pup who loves to run and play. He has his favorite toy that he loves to chase after, his ball. Sadly Dexter makes a poor decision and runs out the door and into the road to fetch his bouncy ball. As you can imagine dogs and roads very rarely lead to good outcomes. Luckily for Dexter his loving family rushes him to the vet, but when he wakes something has happened to his legs.


Dexter has some important life lessons to share about overcoming obstacles and making the best with what we have. He also teaches us about the importance of perseverance. Any difficulty can be overcome if you just take it one step at a time.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

The absolute sweetest story about a spirited pup who overcomes his struggles after an accident taking away two of his legs. He learns how to live life to the fullest despite his circumstances! This was such a wonderful little read with my kids & a message that even through struggles we can achieve our dreams!

✨Book Review✨
🐶Dexter: The Stand Up Dog 🐶

Synopsis:
Based on the true story of this social media sensation and courageous canine companion, Dexter: the Stand Up Dog is an inspirational picture book that highlights the contagious power of love, hope, resilience, and determination.

My thoughts:
🤔 I have been living in a bubble! I did not know about Dexter until I read this book! What an inspiration he is!
🤔 I really admire Dexter’s resilience and determination. I think young readers will be inspired by Dexter’s spirit!
🤔 The illustrations are colorful and very appealing. The text is fairly simple with typically just a sentence or two per page-very appropriate for the targeted age group.
🤔Dexter does get hit by a car near the beginning of the book, so for the first read of this one, adults might want to read it with their child to be right there to support them and answer their questions.

Who is going to love it? Children who ….
❤ …love DOGS! 🐶
❤️ …love TRUE ANIMAL STORIES! 📚
❤️ …love reading about INTERNET SENSATIONS! 🛜

📢This one releases Tuesday, September 16, 2025!

🥰Thank you to Gnome Road Publishing @gnomeroadpublishing and @NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

After Dexter is injured he has to learn to zoom again. This book shows his determination and what it takes for him to learn to walk on his back legs because he hurt his front paw. A fun book and great illustration to show this transformation.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.