The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water 2002

Great Valley flooded and kids preoccupied

After a period of harsh rain, the Great Valley is partially flooded and littered with debris. Littlefoot wanders while his friends Cera, Ducky, Spike, and Petrie are busy with nesting duties. He longs for a brother and begins exploring the flooded landscape.

Littlefoot meets Mo, a young Ophthalmosaurus

In the flooded landscape, Littlefoot meets Mo, a playful young Ophthalmosaurus caught in the rising water. They quickly become friends, and Littlefoot calls Mo his mud brother. Mo explains that he is from the Big Water and is alone in the valley.

Mo's origins and the Liopleurodon attack

Mo explains how he swam into the Valley from the Big Water and is separated from his family. A Liopleurodon attacks the group, threatening their safety. Littlefoot asks the adults to help Mo return home, but they refuse to risk leaving the Valley.

Earthshake and the plan to return Mo home

An earthshake splits the children and Mo from the rest of the valley and traps Sharptooth in an underwater cavern. The kids decide to take Mo home on their own, relying on their own resourcefulness. The separation also isolates Mo from his family.

Search for the ocean begins; refuge at Diplodocus nest

The children follow a river they believe leads to the ocean. A Diplodocus mother invites them into her nest for the night. They witness the hatching of her offspring.

Approaching the ocean; salt in the water

The next day, the group realizes they are near the ocean as they begin to taste salt in the water. The sense of approaching the sea gives them renewed hope for reaching Mo's home. They press onward toward the coast.

Sharptooth attacks again; mud traps the children

That night, Sharptooth returns and attacks. The riverbank is muddy and slick, leaving the group with limited options for escape. The children endure the danger while Mo stays by their side.

Mo distracts Sharptooth; chase continues

Mo distracts Sharptooth and lures it further down the river, buying time for the group to keep moving. His bravery helps the others stay hopeful as danger looms behind them. The rough terrain tests their resolve as they advance toward the ocean.

Sharptooth senses the ocean and withdraws

Mo explains that Sharptooth smells the ocean in the distance and chooses to return to the sea rather than press the chase. The group, sensing safer waters ahead, pushes forward with renewed determination. The near-miss strengthens their bond and resolve.

The ocean reached; friends prepare to part

The children reach the ocean, and Mo laments that his friends must depart. Littlefoot tells him they will always be brothers, and Mo says goodbye to his new friends before rejoining his family. The moment marks a bittersweet end to their journey together.

Mo reunites with his family; asks for directions to smoky mountains

Mo reunites with his family and asks for directions to the smoky mountains, noting that the valley can be found from there. The children acknowledge their separate paths ahead but share a promise of continued friendship. The travelers prepare for differing routes home.

Mo shows Littlefoot his underwater home

Before leaving, Mo offers to show Littlefoot his underwater home, and Littlefoot accepts with awe. The underwater world reveals its beauty to a land-dwelling friend, leaving a lasting impression. The exchange deepens their extraordinary friendship.

Farewell at the water's edge

Littlefoot and the others say goodbye to Mo and watch him swim toward his family. They share a heartfelt moment, affirming their bond beyond species and distance. The friends part with gratitude for the experience.