Ryland Finds a Dinosaur is a little ninja. He wears a soft blue mask. He tiptoes with care. He is shy but brave. He lives near an ancient ziggurat. It shines in the sun. The stones glow golden. Ryland walks under arches. He looks for a hidden cave. He hopes to find a special friend. His name says it all.
One day Ryland hears a gentle sound. It comes from deep in the ziggurat. He thinks it might be a secret. He moves slowly. He sees moss on stones. He sees bright green vines. He touches the cool wall. He finds a narrow path. He follows the path. It curves and curves. It glows with soft light. Ryland feels calm. His heart beats slow. He smiles.
Suddenly a friendly sorcerer appears. The sorcerer has a tall hat. He holds a small lantern. He smiles at Ryland. He says, “Hello, young ninja. I can help you.” Ryland nods. He says, “I seek a new friend.” The sorcerer waves his hand. He makes sparkles. The sparkles float ahead. They light the path. Ryland feels happy. He whispers, “Thank you.”
A second ninja appears. She is kind and wise. Her name is Niko the Ninja. She wears a soft green scarf. She greets Ryland with a wave. She says, “I join you now.” Ryland nods shyly. Niko says, “We will find your friend soon.” They walk together. They hold hands.
Then the path ends at a big door. The door is made of stone. It has a face. The face frowns. It is a stone golem guarding the cave. The golem says, “You cannot pass.” Ryland feels scared. He steps back. The sorcerer steps forward. He bows softly. He says, “We only wish to help.” The golem’s eyes glow blue. He says, “Solve my riddle or turn back.”
The golem asks, “What friend can be gentle and strong? What friend can roar but fit in your hand?” Ryland thinks. He remembers his daydream. He says quietly, “A baby dinosaur.” The golem blinks. He smiles a little. He steps aside. The door opens slowly. A light shines inside.
Ryland, the sorcerer, and Niko enter the cave. They see soft rocks. They see a nest. It holds a small egg. The egg shakes gently. They watch in wonder. The egg cracks. A tiny dinosaur pops out. It chirps softly. It has bright eyes. It stretches its small legs. Ryland kneels down. He holds out his hand. The dinosaur nuzzles his palm. Ryland giggles.
The sorcerer lights the lantern. The cave glows warm. Niko pets the dinosaur’s head. She says, “It is so sweet.” Ryland smiles wide. He says, “I will call you Dino.” Dino chirps again. Ryland picks up Dino. He feels joy. He feels calm. He knows he is not shy now. He is brave.
They walk back to the ziggurat steps. The golem watches them leave. He smiles. He thinks of their kindness. He watches until they disappear. Outside the sun is low. The sky glows pink. Ryland holds Dino close. He says, “We are friends.” Dino chirps and nuzzles his cheek. The sorcerer and Niko smile. They say, “Good job, Ryland.”
At home Ryland gives Dino a soft blanket. He shares his snack. He tucks Dino in a small nest. He says, “Sleep well.” Dino yawns. Ryland turns off the lantern. He whispers, “Good night, friend.” Ryland yawns too. He feels happy. He learned that kindness and courage can open any door. He found a real friend. He found a dinosaur.