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.
Available NOW!
Also Available in Spanish!
Take a peek inside the book!
Praise for DEXTER!
“Dexter: The Stand Up Dog” by the team of Bonnie Kelso and Kentee Pasek is inspirational and one-of-a-kind picture book that is a fun and inspirational read from start to finish showing young pet-lovers what it means when Dexter and his family show the power of love, hope and determination — overcoming tragedy and restoring a life worth living. Ideal for daycare center and preschool storytime, elementary classroom, veterinary clinic waiting rooms, and community library pet themed picture book collections, “Dexter: The Stand Up Dog” is especially and unreservedly recommended.”
— Midwest Book Review
“This is the true story of social media sensation and TV personality, Dexter, the Brittany Spaniel who learned to walk on his hind legs. Kelso’s realistic illustrations give life to the ample and serviceable text while variety in the illustrations and text placement helps keep the story moving forward. VERDICT A true story of overcoming challenges one step at a time, this is sure to be popular with those already familiar with Dexter.”
— Catherine Callegari, School Library Journal
“The matter-of-fact narrative offers young readers a glimpse of Dexter’s thoughts and emotions, while Kelso’s eye-catching illustrations, featuring saturated hues of green and blue, are cartoon-style realistic. Dexter cuts an exuberant figure. In the hospital and in the small vignettes showing his travels, people of varied skin color, a child using a wheelchair, and some kids who appear to have chemo-related hair loss are all depicted. Dogged determination in the face of challenges drives this delightful story.“
— Kirkus
Dogs
The true story about a Brittany Spaniel’s fight for his life and how he became an internet sensation.
Perseverance
Kids will relate to Dexter’s paw-sitive attitude and find courage through his example to face their own challenges one Dexter -step at a time.
Adaptability
Touches on themes of adaptability and problem solving.
Book Trailer:
Visit Dexter’s website for updates.
Bonnie Kelso 