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.
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.
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 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.
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.
