Dante is a curious little boy. He loves to play. One day Dante finds a bright maze near his home. The maze walls are tall and glowing in soft light. Dante holds his red ball tight. His ball is round and bouncy and shiny. Dante gives a happy shout. He kicks his ball. The ball rolls in and then rolls away. Dante gasps. His ball is lost inside the maze. Dante feels sad. He wants his ball back. Dante takes a deep breath. He steps into the maze. He walks carefully on the soft green grass path. He looks left. He looks right. The maze turns and bends. Dante calls, “Ball!” He walks more. He feels a little fear. He stops. He listens. He hears a soft roar and feels a gentle breeze. He looks up. A friendly lion stands before him. The lion has golden fur and big kind eyes. Dante feels warm inside. The lion says in a gentle voice, “I can help you.” Dante smiles wide. He nods. The lion guides Dante along a winding path. They walk past bright flowers that glow in many colors. They see blue stones that sparkle like stars. They see tiny bugs that dance in the light. Dante claps his hands in wonder. The lion roars a soft cheer. They reach a turning corner. Dante holds the lion’s paw. He feels brave. Suddenly a small dragon appears. The dragon is blue with gentle eyes. It flutters a wing. Dante steps back. The dragon bows and whispers, “I saw your ball near the golden gate.” Dante gasps with hope. The lion smiles. The dragon leads Dante and the lion down a curved path. They reach a shining gate made of gold. On the grass in front of the gate lies Dante’s red ball. Dante runs and hugs his ball. He laughs with joy. The lion roars softly in cheer. The dragon flaps its wings in delight. Dante feels very happy. He looks at his new friends. He says, “Thank you.” The lion nods. The dragon bows. Dante picks up his ball and holds it high. Light pours through the maze walls. Dante and his friends walk back to the maze entrance. Dante steps into the sun. He dances and laughs and turns in circles. The lion and dragon follow and join the dance. Dante spins. He hugs the lion. He hugs the dragon. Dante is brave. Dante is kind. Dante learns to ask for help. Dante learns to trust his friends. Dante smiles with pride. He skips all the way home. When Dante arrives home he shows his ball to his family. They cheer and hug him. Dante feels safe and loved. He says, “Today I had a big adventure and I found my ball with help from a lion and a dragon.” Dante falls asleep that night dreaming of new adventures. Dante smiles in his sleep. Dante smiles and laughs everyday. Dante smiles and laughs everyday. Dante smiles and laughs everyday. Dante smiles and laughs everyday. Dante smiles and laughs everyday.