On a small island not far from Australia, in the jungle, baby creatures hatched from eggs: each one in its own nest. One came into the world with a mummy dinosaur, and the other with a mummy platypus.
When the little ones grew a bit stronger, they wanted to know what interesting things were around them? One day their mummies went off to find food, and the babies decided to have a look around.
Little Dinosaur climbed out of his home. At first he was afraid to go far, but then he heard the birds singing, calmed down and bravely walked forward.
Everything around him made him happy, until he realised he was lost. Little Dinosaur became frightened and wanted to cry, but he thought: "I mustn't cry, I'm so big. What if someone sees or hears me ― they'll laugh at me".
He sat down next to a large fern and began to think about what to do next.
Little Platypus was also enjoying the jungle nature, but after a while realised he couldn't find the way back to his nest. He stopped under a tall fern and cried.
Mummy, mummy, where are you? I want to go home!
Little Dinosaur looked round and saw a strange creature. He decided to approach it.
Who are you? Why are you crying? ― he asked.
I'm Little Platypus. I only recently hatched from an egg. I decided to go for a walk and got lost, ― Little Platypus sobbed, ― and who are you?
I'm Little Dinosaur. I also recently hatched and I'm also lost, ― answered Little Dinosaur. ― Well, why are you crying so loudly? There's no one here but me. You need to calm down.
How can I not cry! I've lost my home and my mummy! I'm so small, I'm afraid of everything! ― and Little Platypus squeaked even louder.
Let me give you a ride on my back. I'm so tall. Maybe you'll see your home, ― decided Little Dinosaur to calm the little scaredy-cat.
Little Platypus, without thinking twice, climbed up Little Dinosaur's tail onto his back and settled in comfortably. The little ones walked through the jungle for a long time. They admired the flowers, vines and bird song. Suddenly Little Platypus squeaked with joy.
Home, my home! I can see it, there it is, ahead!
Little Dinosaur quickened his pace, but thought to himself: "It's a shame his home is already found. It was so nice for us to walk together and not scary at all".
When the little rascals got closer, they were very surprised by what they saw: their mummies were sitting together!
Where have you two got to, you little rascals? Where should we look for you? Surely the crocodiles haven't eaten you? ― the mummies lamented.
No, no! ― cried the little ones. ― The crocodiles didn't eat us. We're here!
The mummies hugged their babies, scolded them a little, but were very pleased.
Where have you been?
We were just walking, getting to know the jungle, ― said Little Platypus bravely, completely forgetting his fears, ― but we won't go there alone again. We promise!
It turned out that Little Dinosaur and Little Platypus lived next door to each other. When it was time to go home, Little Platypus said to Little Dinosaur: "Let's be friends! You're very brave! You're a real friend!".
Little Dinosaur was very pleased to hear such words, and he decided that he would never be afraid again and would always help the little ones. After all, he was brave!
After this walk, the little ones became very close friends. They often played together, but never went far again, so as not to upset their mummies.
