"My Dinosaur Friend" is a heartwarming story about a nonverbal autistic boy named Ellis, who loves dinosaurs. One night, he is transported to a magical land where he meets his best friend. In this new world, Ellis realizes that his way of communicat...
There once was a boy who was tall for his age: he had bright blue eyes and a curly blond mane.
His name was Ellis, and he was as sweet as could be. He loved to laugh and sing and dance; and play all day.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
But of all the things he loved, dinosaurs made him happy as could be.
See, Ellis struggled with things that many didn't; for instance, Ellis could not speak.
He showed his feelings in many ways, and some people could not understand what he was trying to say.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
He would swing his hands high into the air, showing happiness to anyone near.
Sometimes he would hold your hand and drag you to the things he needed; he even could not say what he was feeling.
This made Ellis sad sometimes; he wanted to tell you what he wanted to say. But something kept his words locked away.
Ellis is Autistic, and for that, he has no choice. However, Ellis is amazing, even without his voice.
One night, when he was supposed to be sleeping in his bed, he decided to play with his toys instead.
He reached for his favorite dino, from inside of the toy box, a ferocious green Spinosaurus named "Benny"; whom he loved a lot.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
When his tiny fingers touched the spine, a door appeared in his room at the same time.
Curiously, he walked to the glowing door, wondering where it would lead.
With Benny in hand, he spun the handle and opened the door with a swing!
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The doorway glowed a bright shade of blue; Ellis was not scared; no, he was brave, honest, and true.
He and Benny walked into the realm, and he could not believe his eyes!
Dinosaurs were everywhere! In all shapes and sizes!
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Some were eating the green leaves high in the tree, and some were catching the fish that swam in the streams.
To Ellis's surprise, he called out their names!
Tyrannosaurus Rex! Stegosaurus! Triceratops! Spinosaurus! and Pterodactyl!
Ellis stood still; he was shocked and amazed!
He had said the words out loud that he wanted to say!
Just then, a large Spinosaurus walked up to him.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Hi Ellis, I am Benny. Your best friend!"
"Benny?" He looked down at his hand and saw the toy was gone.
The figure in front of him was his friend of so long!
"Benny! I can talk!" Ellis jumped with glee!
"Of course you can, Ellis; you could talk all along." Benny smiled a toothy grin. "You could always talk, my friend, but others must listen to the words trapped within."
Ellis thought for a moment about all the things he wanted to say.
Benny laughed and said, "Don't worry, Ellis! Let's go play!"
Benny lied on the ground; Ellis climbed up on his back!
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
They ran around the fields and continued to laugh!
Ellis loved this place, filled with the things he enjoyed. He loved that he could express himself freely, without any worry.
The sun began to set on the dinosaur realm.
"It's time to go home now, Ellis, but we can always play again. This world is always here for you; we are in your toy bin!" Benny looked towards the door.
"Thank you for the fun, Benny!" Ellis said. "I hope that one day we will meet again."
"I am always with you, my little dinosaur friend!"
This story is dedicated to my son and all who struggle to communicate! We will listen better! Be brave, be honest, and be true, my little Dinosaur pals.
