Thanks for stopping by. Below are my new books with others on the way. Be sure to check out my illustration portfolio, too. I love to share my work with a wide variety of audiences and can be hired for school visits, teaching artist workshops, or custom mural projects.
MY newEST picture books:
Available now
Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
As seen on The Today Show with Jenna & Friends!
From content creator and proud pet parent Kentee Pasek, and award-winning author-illustrator, Bonnie Kelso, comes a picture book about a worldwide Internet sensation and inspirational canine companion. Dexter: The Stand Up Dog tells an amazing story of perseverance and determination as unique and heart-warming as Dexter himself.
Dexter was a happy Brittany Spaniel rescue puppy – running, playing with his ball, begging for belly rubs – until one day he ran out the door and over the fence into the road. Injured in a terrible accident, Dexter lost one front leg and the use of the other, but survived the ordeal through the skill of his veterinary team and love of his family. When Dexter finally came home, it was hard to run and jump again. His family bought him a wheelchair, but Dexter wanted to go faster. He made up his mind to do the impossible. And so one day . . . he did!
Dexter learned to walk, hop and run on two legs, and was embraced by the small Colorado community he called home. Then, during the difficult times of the COVID lockdowns, Dexter’s story traveled across the Internet. His ability to stand tall inspired and encouraged thousands of people around the world, proving that any challenge could be overcome one “Dexter-step at a time.”
This inspirational picture book is sure to be a hit with pet-lovers throughout the world and with anyone who embraces the power of love, hope and determination. It’s perfect for storytime, classrooms, gift shops, home libraries, veterinary clinic waiting rooms, and anywhere dogs are adored.Put bedtime blues at bay by diving into this fact-filled explo
Available now!
Published by Gnome Road Publishing.
March 16, 2025.
Also available in Spanish:
De la creadora de contenido y orgullosa mamá perruna Kentee Pasek y la galardonada autora e ilustradora Bonnie Kelso, llega un libro ilustrado sobre un perrito llamado Dexter que se ha convertido en una sensación mundial de Internet. Dexter: El perro que camina de pie cuenta la increíble historia de perseverancia y determinación que es tan única como el propio Dexter.
Available now
SLEEPY SEA
Put bedtime blues at bay by diving into this fact-filled exploration of ocean animal sleep habits with a young girl learning to get a good night’s sleep of her own.
It’s dark outside, but one little girl can’t fall asleep in her new bed. With the help of an unexpected friend, she discovers the weird and wonderful ways sea creatures sleep, and finally catches a little shut eye herself. From sleeping with one eye open, upside down, or in a self-made “booger bubble”, readers will find plenty of fascinating facts about sleep habits on almost every page. This informational fiction story is a playful introduction to navigating a major childhood milestone that also reassures readers that no matter how you feel, you are never truly alone.
Filled with charming illustrations, humor, and an adorable cast of characters, this book is sure to become a bedtime, and daytime favorite as well as a go-to for teachers and caregivers.
Available now
SEA SMILES
When an otherwise harmless apple becomes the instrument for losing a tooth, a young girl is ready to retire her smile. That is… until she discovers teeth can give us all a lot to smile about.
This humorous, informative story is sure to be a hit with any kid who has lost a tooth, is about to, or just loves learning cool and fascinating facts about animals with weird teeth in the sea! Take a look inside the mouth of a Wolffish, penguin, sea krait and more. Then count up those teeth, and prepare to be surprised. One of these smiley sea animals has over 750,000 “teeth” – and it won’t be the one you’re expecting!
Coming March 17, 2026
Banish bathtime boredom by diving into this fact-filled exploration of the ways that ocean animals take baths underwater.
Be sure to collect every underwater adventure featuring major childhood milestones from Bonnie Kelso and Gnome Road Publishing:
QUAIL TRAIL
Available now!
Roxie is an independent-thinking quail chick who just has to find out what’s over that hill! Topknot is her bossy troop leader who pecks the fun out of adventures with all her silly rules. When Roxie takes her own path, gets lost along the quail trail and can’t remember the special call that will reunite her with her brood, she learns the hard way that a little listening can go a long way. Quail Trail is a funny, informational fiction picture book that will engage even the most reluctant reader. Parents and teachers will appreciate the gentle messaging regarding the importance of listening, self-awareness, and making good choices.
Published by Muddy Boots.
Wonder of the Woods
Available now!
A young girl explores the wooded area near her home and encounters a variety of animals that are curious about their new visitor. Tails twitch, bodies ripple, and leaves drift. They watch each other from a safe distance. Could the Wonder of the Woods be YOU?
Wonders abound as you explore nature in this lyrical picture book about curiosity and harmony, by author-illustrator Bonnie Kelso.
Published by The Little Press and One Little Earth. October 15, 2024.
Coming January 6, 2026
Written by Carmela LaVigna Coyle and illustrated by Bonnie Kelso
This lyrical book about songbirds describes the unique voices of eleven common species. Helpful back matter provides further information on how and why birds sing the way they do.
Upcoming Illustration Projects:
Nudi Gill: The Card Game!
The educational card game all about marine mollusks! Snag a deck for yourself or donate one to a local Las Vegas school, library, or other place where kids will have access to them. Each numbered card features a nudibranch, sea snail, bivalve, or cephalopod, as well as fascinating information about the animal and a comic. Contribute or purchase your limited edition deck today.
Author Visits
I love to visit schools, libraries and museums!
My picture book, Nudi Gill, is an informational fiction picture book for children ages 5 – 8 that explores themes of ocean recreation, wildlife and environmental stewardship.
The first fiction picture book dedicated to nudibranchs, Nudi Gill is fun, informative and entertaining. As an author illustrator and teaching artist, my programs engage children with creative projects. This is a hands-on presentation that sparks the imagination while introducing children to a fascinating marine species.
Bonnie Kelso 