The site includes a group of fossilized dinosaurs. Studying the animals’ positions is important, but the bigger discovery is the remains of an unknown dinosaur. The paleontologists name the large, bird-like dinosaur the Cretaceous Chicken, as it resembles the modern day chicken. Unfortunately, someone has stolen the dinosaur’s skull, leaving bigger mysteries for the scientists.

On their first night at the site, while they are sleeping, a thunderous roar wakes up Sally and Uncle Denny. The earth rises, enclosing the duo in gigantic rock walls. They cling to tumbling boulders that carry them into another world complete with a Native American tribe, a red T-Rex, and strange looking animals including Swift Bird, an animal resembling their Cretaceous Chicken. The tribe warily greets their visitors because the "outside" has already caused problems for the peaceful village. Sally and Uncle Denny want to return home, but the cave entrance is sealed. While they plan an escape, villager Blue Hawk enters into a dangerous scheme with three outsiders who have plans to take over the village. Can Sally and Uncle Denny protect the village and escape the dangers of prehistoric animals and criminal outsiders?

New children’s author Rick Osorio turns the puzzles of archeology into a story of mystery, adventure, and fantasy. Osorio could strengthen his storytelling with tighter sentences and consistent descriptive prose, yet his imagination ignites a compelling tale mixing real and fantasy worlds. Sally Rock is a likeable female character, who seeks rough and tumble adventures. The book targets readers aged 9-12, but younger readers could handle the short chapters in this 65-page book. Older readers will enjoy the fantasy aspects and the innocent attraction between Sally and the young Native American boy, Strong Tree. I can’t wait to read the next in the series of The Great Adventures of Sally Rock.

Recommended.