Dinosaurs Before Dark

Jack hides behind a magnolia tree. He tries to stay calm even as panic sets in. He peeks out and sees that the T. rex hasn’t noticed him. He opens the dinosaur book, which tells him that the Tyrannosaurus rex “could eat a human in one bite” (53).

He knows he can’t outrun it, so he wonders if he should wait for it to leave. Then, he notices that Annie is sneaking down the rope ladder from the tree house. He watches as she goes over to the Pteranodon that’s still nearby and flaps her arms.

The Tyrannosaurus rex comes toward Jack, who doesn’t know what to do. A shadow covers him, and he realizes the Pteranodon is coming right toward him.

The Pteranodon lands near Jack and stares at him. Jack hesitates and then climbs onto its back. It takes off, and Jack sees the Anatosauruses and the Triceratops.

Jack enjoys the ride, amazed that he’s on a dinosaur. When the Pteranodon finally lands again near Annie, Jack waves goodbye. He then thanks his sister. They climb into the tree house as the Tyrannosaurus runs toward them.