• Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
  • Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
  • Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
  • Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
  • Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
  • Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
  • Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
  • Dexter: The Stand Up Dog
  • Dexter: The Stand Up Dog

Dexter: The Stand Up Dog

A California Reading Association 2025 EUREKA! Nonfiction Children's Book Award Winner - Silver! 

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.

See Dexter HERE!

A Spanish version is also available now!  Dexter: El perro que camina de pie.

DEXTER AND HIS BOOK.mp4 

WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER!

SEE DEXTER ON TODAY WITH JENNA & FRIENDS!

Releasing September 16, 2025! Order now!

Key Concepts

Dogs, Perseverance, Adaptability

Additional Details

  • 11 inches x 9 inches (landscape)
  • 32 pages
  • Ages 4 to 99
  • Trade Hardcover ISBN: 9781957655482
  • eBook ISBN:9781957655505
  • Spanish Trade Hardcover ISBN:9781957655499

  • Reader Reviews

    • ★★★★★

      . . .[O]ne-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.


      Midwest Book Review

    • ★★★★★

      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 (Aug. 2025)

    • ★★★★★

      Dogged determination in the face of challenges drives this delightful story.


      Kirkus (Nov. 2025)