T. J.
Tales of a Young T-Rex
“Earth Shaker”
By: Samuel J. Fuoco
A long long long long time ago, there was a young t-rex named TJ. He lived in the Valley of Joseph with his mama and papa. It was a beautiful place filled with trees, flowers, and all kinds of animals.
TJ loved to run and play with the other young dinosaurs. Sometimes his papa would even bring him along when he went on hunting trips.
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One evening after a long hunting trip, TJ’s mama prepared a huge feast for the family. They ate so good and talked about good times. TJ’s mama even told the story about when TJ was a baby and learning to walk. She said “he must have fallen a thousand times that day but, he didn’t stop until he figured it out!”
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As they finished dinner it began to rain. As the rainfall got harder, TJ’s papa suggested that they seek shelter in a close by cave. By this time it was thundering and lightening, and little TJ was getting a little scared. On their way to the cave they saw a tree frog that told them it was a big bad storm coming. He said “it’s gonna be an earth shaker! Be Careful!”
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Papa thanked the frog, and said “you too little buddy.” Now they were in the cave and mama gathered a few branches and leaves for TJ to lie on. She told him, “try and get some rest my son, I love you.”
“I love you too, goodnight mama.” As he laid there, he listened to the thunder roaring so loud that it made the ground shake. The lightening was so strong, and the rain was coming down harder than ever. TJ tossed and turned for a while, but eventually fell asleep.
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The next morning, TJ woke up and the sun was shining and the storm had passed. He walked out of the cave and saw trees knocked down, mud and bushes everywhere, but he didn’t see his parents.
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TJ ran back down to the valley where they lived, but everything was destroyed. It seemed to be abandoned. TJ was really getting worried now. Without his parents, what would he do? Where would he sleep? What would he eat? Would he ever see them again? Were they gone forever? With tears in his eyes not knowing where he was going, TJ started walking.
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TJ must have walked twenty miles, and was really getting thirsty. He stopped for a drink of water at a small pond. There he met a bird named Barry who asked him, “Why are u alone? What is your name little t-rex?” He answered, “after the big storm I woke up and my parents were gone, and my name’s TJ. Will you help me find them and from then on they became friends.
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Barry told TJ, “We should look by the river near Rock Mountain. That’s where all the t-rex that I’ve seen live.” TJ listened to his advice, and they began their journey. After walking what seemed like a hundred miles, TJ was starving. He asked, “what are we gonna eat friend?” So Barry flew up ahead to a big Boga Bush and brought back some berries.
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Now TJ had never eaten fruit before, but they were so good! He asked, “What do you call these things?” “Berries”, Barry said. “Berries?” asked TJ. “Yep, berries!” “Barry likes Berries”, said TJ.
And they both laughed! With a big smile on his face he said, “And so does TJ!” After they finished eating, they continued on their journey.
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Later that evening as it started to get dark, Barry suggested to TJ, “I think we should try to get some rest and continue in the morning.” So TJ gathered a few leafy branches and laid down by a big tree. Barry nested on a low hanging branch and said, “Goodnight.” He noticed that TJ was looking very sad. He told him, “Don’t worry my friend. We’ll find your parents. Don’t worry.”
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The next morning TJ woke up really early as the sun was just coming up. He jumped up excited and woke up Barry. “Get up, get up!” He said. “I had a dream that my mama and papa were out looking for me! Come on, Come on! Let’s go!” TJ shouted. Barry was still sleepy, but he got on up and they were on their way.
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As they continued their journey, TJ asked “what does Rock Mountain look like? In my dream I saw rushing water surrounded by huge trees! It was so beautiful, the trees even looked as if they were blue!” Barry was amazed and said, “That’s the Blue River! Have you been there before?” TJ replied, “No, I saw it in my dream!” Barry smiled and said, “Wow! We’re headed in the right direction my friend!”
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TJ was so happy! All he could think about was finding his parents, and how much he missed them. He knew his dream had to be true because it felt so real. He was so filled with joy that he didn’t realize that he was almost knee deep in muddy water. About that time Barry landed on a floating log and said, “This is a swamp! I don’t remember this being on the way to Rock Mountain! We must have taken a wrong turn somewhere!” “Oh no,” TJ groaned. “How could this happen? Do you mean we’re lost…?
MORALS & VALUES:
No matter how hard things seem, never give up!!!
Always have Faith!!!
Follow your Dreams!!!
If you see someone in need, offer to help!!! (You might need someone’s help one day)
REFLECTION & QUESTIONS
TJ was encouraged by his friend Barry. He saw that TJ was upset and asked him, what was wrong? From that moment on they became friends, and Barry offered to help him find his way.
If you were Barry, would you have helped TJ?
If you see someone who is sad or upset, what are some things you could say to encourage them?
Can you think of a time when someone encouraged you?
*BONUS QUESTION
4. If you were at the swamp and saw that TJ and Barry were lost, would you help them? What would you say?
*****To Find Out What HAPPENS Next Read…*****
(TJ Tales of a Young T-Rex “ROCK MOUNTAIN”)
By: Samuel Fuoco
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