While Dexter has been home recovering from a successful bionic elbow surgery in Milan, Italy . . . he won a book award! That dog is unstoppable!
The California Reading Association recently announced the winners of their prestigious EUREKA! Awards for nonfiction books and Dexter, The Stand Up Dogwas among them! I’m so excited for this honor, as it will get Dexter’s inspirational story of hope, determination, and adaptability in front of even more kids who need to hear it.
Bonnie Kelso is the author and illustrator of several books for children. Her newest release is DEXTER: THE STAND UP DOG, co-written by Kentee Pasek, and as seen on the Today Show’s Jenna & Friends. Available now.
I’m wondering if you’ve heard about Dexter, the Stand Up Dog? Dexter is a Brittany Spaniel who was in a car accident as a pup and lost one front leg and full use of his other front leg. After healing, Dexter adapted by teaching himself how to walk on his two hind legs! This all happened during the pandemic, so his owner shared his story of resilience on Instagram and his story of strength and persistence went viral.
Sending big hugs to Dexter and his family from across the pond! We’re all rooting for you, buddy!
Bonnie Kelso is the author and illustrator of several books for children. Her newest release is DEXTER: THE STAND UP DOG, co-written by Kentee Pasek, and as seen on the Today Show’s Jenna & Friends. Available now.
The Southern Utah Book Festival is back! Check it out this week with the main event on Saturday, September 20th. Plenty of author panels, book signings, and activities to delight readers of all ages. I’ll be on a picture book panel from 11 – 11:45 am with kidlit friends. Be sure not to miss the DRAW-OFF at 2pm! Hope to see you there!
This Sunday is World Oceans Day! Celebrate by joining me Sunday, June 8th from 12:30 – 3:30 at the Las Vegas Discovery Children’s Museum for a fun presentation about nudibranchs. Learn all about these amazing colorful (and carnivorous) sea slugs, discover your own species, and take home a special piece of wearable art. All supplies provided. Funded in part by The NEA and Nevada Arts Council.
Bonnie Kelso is the author and illustrator of several books for children. NUDI GILL: POISON POWERHOUSE OF THE SEA introduces children to the fascinating nudibranch, a carnivorous soft bodied mollusk. A 2023 Nevada Center for the Book “Great Reads from Great Places” children’s book selection!
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.
I can’t wait to see you there!
Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children that educate and inspire. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. NUDI GILL: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea, introduces kids to the tiny but fierce nudibranch. SEA SMILES & SLEEPY SEA are part of a three-part series pairing childhood milestones with fascinating sea animal facts. Coming soon:DEXTER THE STAND UP DOG, shares the true story of a canine internet sensation who adapted to walking upright after a tragic accident.
How much do I love presenting to kids about nudibranchs? This much!!! Join me this Saturday at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum for fun and activities all about my favorite creature of the sea, the nudibranch! I’ll be performing two interactive shows. Times and details can be found here: https://www.lvnhm.org/event-details/the-nudibranch-show-2025-04-26-11-00
About the Events:
Apr 26, 2025, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM & 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 900 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
Special Guest: Bonnie Kelso
11:00-11:45 AM – The Nudibranch SHOW!
Best for grades K-2nd (45 minutes)
In this program, Bonnie shares her love for strange and unusual sea animals. She’ll introduce a cast of odd marine characters and describe each of their special talents. Bonnie will read aloud her informational picture book NUDI GILL. Afterwards, she will guide the class in some creative role playing exercises as they imagine the life of a nudibranch. The students will be guided step-by-step as they draw Gill, the nudibranch. Lastly, Bonnie will answer questions and challenge students to discover more about nudibranchs after the presentation.
12:00-12:45 PM – Design YOUR OWN Nudibranch
Best for grades K-5th (45 minutes)
In this program, Bonnie shares explains that there are over 3,000 species of nudibranchs and that additional species are still being discovered. She will read aloud her informational picture book NUDI GILL. She will identify and explain the different parts of nudibranch anatomy. Afterwards, she will guide students step-by-step as they invent their own undiscovered species of nudibranch. Lastly, Bonnie will answer questions and challenge students to discover more about nudibranchs after the presentation.
See you there!
Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children that educate and inspire. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. NUDI GILL: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea, introduces kids to the tiny but fierce nudibranch. SEA SMILES & SLEEPY SEA are part of a three-part series pairing childhood milestones with fascinating sea animal facts. Coming soon:DEXTER THE STAND UP DOG, shares the true story of a canine internet sensation who adapted to walking upright after a tragic accident.
We also had a lengthy discussion about the creative process, writing, and travel. I hope you enjoy the conversation!
See you on the radio!
Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave self-expression. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, released April 4, 2023. SEA SMILES, the first of a three-part series, released February 20, 2024. Coming soon: SLEEPY SEA and DEXTER THE STAND UP DOG, available for preorder now. A lover of nature and travel, she often wanders about outside with her family whenever an excellent opportunity to do so presents itself.
“Hey, y’all!” she says feeling into her southern roots.
This Saturday (10/26/24) is my book launch party from 12pm – 2pm at Buffy’s Book Boutique. Buffy’s is the cutest book store in Las Vegas! You have to come check it out.
Buffy’s Book Boutique 3585 S Durango Dr #103 Las Vegas, NV USA 89147
I’ll be reading WONDER OF THE WOODS, published by Little Press and One Little Earth. It is a lyrical nonfiction story about exploring nature in a gentle and respectful way. I will also have an art activity for kids (or crafty adults) and will be available to sign books. There will be some swag and a giveaway, too! RSVP here to reserve your copy of the book: https://buffysbookboutique.com/events/1233820241026
If we’re lucky, maybe Buffy herself will make an appearance. No promises.
See you at Buffy’s!
Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children, is a muralist and facilitates art workshops in her community and beyond. Her newest picture book, WONDER OF THE WOODS is a lyrical nonfiction story about exploring nature in a gentle and respectful way. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, released April 4, 2023. SEA SMILES, the first of a three-part series, released February 20, 2024. Coming in November: QUAIL TRAIL. A lover of nature and travel, she often wanders about outside with her family whenever an excellent opportunity to do so presents itself.
Bonnie Kelso 