stories

Dexter is Award winning!

| Bonnie Kelso

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 Dog was 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.

To read more about Dexter and the backstory to his story, check out this recent interview with me and Kentee (Dexter’s mom) in Foreword Magazine: Having a PAWS-itive Mindset! A Conversation with the Creators of Dexter: The Stand Up Dog.

Way to go, buddy!

Bonnie

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.

Have you heard about Dexter?

| Bonnie Kelso

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.

His children’s book released in September and during the launch, something happened to Dexter. He wasn’t walking the same way and with the same vigor as before. X-rays showed that the pins in his front elbow had come undone. Now Dexter is in Milan, Italy, getting ready for a rare surgery. They are going to give him a BIONIC ELBOW! Yes, it’s incredible! I highly recommend you follow his story as it continues to unfold on Instagram.

Sending big hugs to Dexter and his family from across the pond! We’re all rooting for you, buddy!

Bonnie

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.

Barnes & Noble Storytime and Book Signing: Henderson, NV

| Bonnie Kelso

In Store  |  Saturday, May 17, 2025 11:00 AM PT

567 North Stephanie, Henderson, NV 89014
Storytime & Author signing with Bonnie Kelso!

Please join me at Barnes & Noble in Henderson, Nevada for a special storytime and book signing. I’ll be reading Wonder of the Woods, published by The Little Press. Reserve a copy now. (702) 434-1533.

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

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.

LVCCLD Summer Challenge 2025!

| Bonnie Kelso

It’s almost time for the Las Vegas Clark County Library District’s Summer Challenge! This year’s theme is TRAVEL – one of my favorite activities. Check out my workshops: Mini Travel Journals: Craft Your Passport-Sized Adventure!

Create your very own passport-sized travel journal, the perfect companion for your next adventure, or a creative keepsake to capture memories from past journeys!

These easy-to-make accordion-folded journals are designed to be ultra-portable, so you can document your travels anytime, anywhere. With a handy pocket in the back, you’ll have a special place to store treasures like ticket stubs, maps, and tiny mementos. Not planning a trip just yet? No problem! Transform it into a personal vision board to help manifest your next getaway. Wherever your adventures take you, this journal will be right there with you!

These workshops are free and open to the public. All supplies are included.

See you there!

Bonnie

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.

The Nudibranch Show!

| Bonnie Kelso

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

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.

Halloweensie Writing Contest

| Bonnie Kelso

Arrrrrooooh! It’s time for Susanna Leonard Hill’s Halloweensie Writing Contest again.

Here are the rules in case you want to join in. You have until midnight on Halloween to enter.

THE CONTEST: write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (children here defined as 12 and under) (title not included in word count) using the words glow-in-the-dark, goosebumps, and goodies.

My story is inspired by my trip to the Crystal Palace roller skating rink last night. Being close to Halloween, there were lots of people in costume. And the black lights really brought out the creepy. (I dedicate this story to my sister who had a less that spooktacular time last night. Love you, Shmee!)

Party Skating GIF By Lolita.

Good luck to everyone entering the contest!

All Hallow’s Eve at the Roller Rink

Glow-in-the-dark ghosts dangle from dingy drop ceilings.

THRILLER thrums through skull-shaped speakers.

A Vincent Price voice commands the session.

“Creatures of the night, take to your wheels and GLIDE!”

Tiny Fairy Princess runs on her skates.

CLICKETY CLUNK-CLUNK CLACK!

Colliding with a wall-hugging werewolf. 

BUMPITY BUMP-BUMP BANG!

Speed-demon Grim Reaper’s tattered black robe flutters. 

Pumpkin-headed gargoyle grapevines backwards.

Skeletons scissor and spin sporadically inspiring goosebumps.

Zealous Zombies dip and moan to the monstrous music.

Goblins gobble down goodies. 

CRUNCHITY CHOMP-CHOMP CRUNCH!

Bone-brittle cotton candy and paprika-peppered popcorn.

HOPPITY HOOT-HOOT HOWL!

It’s All Hallow’s Eve at the roller rink!

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, will be released in September, 2022. A lover of nature and travel, she can be found wandering about outside with her family whenever a good opportunity to do so presents itself.

April and May

| Bonnie Kelso

It’s Spring, and the kids and I have been rejuvenating our garden by planting vegetables and dusting off the fairy garden. I was also inspired to write an entry for the Spring Fling Kidlit Writing Contest hosted by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez and Ciara O’Neal. It had to be 150 words or less inspired by a spring themed Gif. I hope you enjoy it!

Image by Sarah Richter from Pixabay.

(150 words)

April and May

by Bonnie Kelso

Being older, April knew things…

Things May wanted to know.

“April, how can I be smart like you?”

April twisted her hair around her finger.

“Drink rainwater from Tulip, May.”

Tulip was empty.

“April, what’s Spring?”

April rubbed her chin.

“Spring is what makes a bed good for jumping on.”

“April, why do early birds get the worms?”

April chewed a twig.

“Because worms don’t have eyes to see early birds hunting them.”

Thunder rumbled.

“April, what’s that?”

They gazed into the clouds.

“A giant is hungry! Hurry, let’s hide!”

Raindrops splink-splunked.

“April, what would happen if our wings got wet?”

“They’d melt like sugar drops, May.”

May stretched out her hand

and scooped up a drop of rainwater from Tulip.

“April, I’m ready to know things, too.”

Slurp!

“April, ask me a question, anything.”

“Who’s your favorite sister, May?”

“You!”

“See, May, I told you it would work!”

Bonnie

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. A lover of nature and travel, she can be found wandering about outside with her family whenever a good opportunity to do so presents itself.

Seeking Courage

| Bonnie Kelso

By Bonnie Kelso

Finding lost things was Riley’s specialty.

She found Mama’s keys!

A shiny penny.

Her sister’s doll.

“Here it is, Kara.”

Riley and Kara were playing hide-and-seek 

when Riley found Mama wrapped in a blanket.

“I’ve lost my job.” 

“I’ll help you find it!” said Riley. 

Mama hugged her tight.

Later Riley found

a stack of boxes

with Kara’s doll stuffed inside one. 

“We’re moving?” asked Riley.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t find your job.”

“I know moving is scary, Riley,

but we have to find courage,” said Mama. 

Riley looked everywhere,

but she couldn’t find courage.

She wished courage would find her.

At the shelter Riley counted to ten 

and opened her eyes.

She searched for Kara…

in every room,

in every closet,

and on the patio.

Cars zoomed in the street. 

Kara was lost!

Her heart beat faster.

“Kara!”

“We’re in here, Riley,” said Mama.

Kara was safe.

Riley collapsed.

“I can’t find my courage!”

Mama smiled.

“Riley, I found a job!” 

They squeezed each other tight.

In their new apartment they found wonderful things.

Soft blankets.

Friendly neighbors.

Kara discovered a new word, Riley.

Riley decided courage isn’t something you find.

It grows inside, little by little,

like making a friend,

learning new words,

or the feeling of home in a new place.

This story was submitted to Susanna Hill’s Valentiny Contest. The theme was BRAVE and the word count is 214 words (for February 14th).

Wild & Free

| Bonnie Kelso

This is what it feels like to finish cancer treatment! I did it. I survived. I am humbled and ultimately a better person because of it. And, yes, it sucked. I am still a little angry about the whole thing, actually, but just a little bit, deep down where I hardly notice it anymore.

Now is where the fun part begins. I get to live again. I might not be base jumping any time soon, but I’ve started moving my body fast enough to feel my heart-beat again. This is a quality of life improvement that I am ready to fully embrace.

Continue reading →