In the world of a Mixed Media Artist sometimes grandchildren come along and influence the artist. This is a story of how play toys come to life in the mountains of North Carolina.
Enjoy
Chapter 1: A Dream on Canvas
Little Maya stared at the big painting on her wall — swirls of green jungle, crimson sky, and creatures she had only ever read about. She wished she could visit that world, just for a day. As she blinked, the painting shimmered, and suddenly — click: the wall melted like water, and Maya was stepping onto soft, mossy ground.
She wasn’t alone. Towering above her was a gentle giant reaching high into the trees, and farther back, shapes moved among ferns and vines. “Welcome,” a deep rumble seemed to say. The adventure had begun.
Chapter 2: Meeting the Gentle Giant – The Neck-Tower
Maya looked up — she had to tilt her head all the way back. A peaceful dinosaur with a long neck reached high into the treetops to munch on leaves.
“I’m Brachy,” the dinosaur grumbled softly, nudging her gently with a massive foot so she wouldn’t get lost in the forest. “I’m a leaf-eater. I never hurt anyone.”
Brachy’s neck stretched like a tower, plucking at the tallest leaves — the freshest, the juiciest. Maya giggled as little twigs brushed her hair.
“I carry forests upon my back,” Brachy said. “I make sure the tall trees are safe — and I give shade to the small ones below.”
Maya climbed onto Brachy’s back. From there, she saw sparkling rivers, cascading waterfalls, and even distant mountains. “This world is bigger than any storybook,” she whispered.
Chapter 3: The Horn-Headed Defender
Down by a muddy lake, Maya saw something curious: a dinosaur with a huge bony frill around its head and three curved horns. Its skin was cracked and strong.
“I’m Tricera,” it said in a calm, deep voice. “I eat plants — but if trouble comes, I use my horns and my shield to stay safe.”
Tricera lowered its head to splash the water gently, sending a cool mist in Maya’s direction. “Come, little friend,” Tricera rumbled. “Sit by my side if you like — the mud is cool on warm days.”
Maya dipped her fingers in the mud. She felt safe with Tricera beside her — strong, solid, and steady, like a forest’s guardian.
Chapter 4: The Shy Plates and Spiky Tail
As Maya wandered deeper, she heard soft footsteps and caught glimpses of a dinosaur with big plates on its back and a tail tipped with spikes.
“Hello,” came a quiet voice. “I’m Stego.” Stego turned sideways so Maya could see all the plates — they looked kind of like big, leafy shields — and the spiky tail that swished slowly behind.
“I nibble on low bushes and scrub,” Stego said. “And if anyone tries to scare me, my tail helps me stay safe.”
Maya stroked one of the bony plates. It was rough and cool, but sturdy. “You look strong,” she said. “You protect yourself, and that’s brave.”
Stego nodded shyly. “Every creature has its own way to be brave,” it murmured.
Chapter 5: The Quick, Clever Hunters
Suddenly the ground rustled. Leaves shook. Two lean, speedy dinosaurs darted through shadows — swift claws, sharp eyes, and tails whipping behind them.
One came to a stop near Maya, head tilted curiously. “I’m Velo,” it chirped. “My friend and I hunt together. We’re fast, clever, and we watch each other’s backs.”
Velo whirled around a tree, its claws clicking on the bark. “Don’t worry,” it said kindly, “I don’t eat people. In this world, we’re friends — and we hunt only plants and small tasty fruits today.”
Maya giggled as the dinosaurs danced lightly around her. Their quick footsteps sounded like whispers in the leaves. “You’re so fast,” she exclaimed, “like forest sprites!”
Velo nodded. “We love to run and explore. Want to race me to that river bank?”
Maya sprinted, laughing, with Velo darting beside her — but before she knew, the ground shimmered again.
Chapter 6: Return From the Magic Forest
Just as Maya reached the river, the painting’s glow returned. The jungle began to fade. Trees, dinosaurs, moss — all melted into shimmering light.
Maya closed her eyes. When she opened them, she was standing in her room again, the painting on the wall silent and still. The gorillion leaves, the roars, the soft heavy footfalls — all gone. But her heart pounded with joy.
Clutched in her hand was a single green leaf. Pale and soft — a leaf from Brachy’s neck.
She smiled. “Maybe I’ll visit again,” she whispered. “Because in Dino-World, I found friends — gentle giants, strong protectors, shy plates, clever hunters — all living in the magic of a dream.”
And from that day on, Maya never looked at that painting the same way. It was a doorway — to adventure, to friendship, to wonder.
