The Land Before Time V: The Mysterious Island 1997

Leaf-gobblers devastate the Great Valley, forcing a split

The leaf-gobblers descend and strip all plants, turning the Great Valley into a barren wasteland. Tensions rise among the valley inhabitants as families argue over the path forward, and a fight breaks out between Littlefoot and Cera’s father. The group decides that every herd should go its own way the next morning.

The group chooses to leave the valley and search for food

To avoid being separated, Littlefoot leads his friends away at night, hoping to find edible plants or water. They leave behind a trail for the grownups to follow, marking their path to allow reuniting later. The decision marks a risky new course for the young friends.

The kids reach the Big Water; water is undrinkable

They reach a vast expanse of water called the Big Water, which is unusable for drinking. The search for food continues as they press on along the coastline. The group remains hopeful despite the challenging environment.

An island offers fresh greenery connected by a land bridge

The children spot a verdant island apparently connected to the mainland by a land bridge. They briefly imagine safety there, away from the leaf-gobblers. The potential sanctuary promises food, but the plan quickly becomes complicated by looming danger.

An earthquake triggers a tsunami, separating the plan

An earthshake creates a tsunami that sweeps across the sea, and the group’s plan to reach the island’s land bridge collapses. The kids are forced to cling to safety on the island as the water roars around them. The event marks a turning point, severing the hopeful escape route.

Reaching back to the island after the failed voyage

They improvise a log-boat to paddle back toward the mainland, enduring Cera’s seasickness and Petrie’s fear. The journey is perilous, and a swimming Sharptooth suddenly strikes, sending them crashing back toward the island. They survive, but the shoreline remains a distant hope.

Chomper appears: the talking Sharptooth

The children wake to fear on the island, only to discover that the shadow is Chomper, a young Sharptooth who they've sheltered before and who can now speak. Chomper leads them to a safe refuge to hide from his parents. He offers partial trust, but remains wary of danger.

Chomper’s family protects the kids against dangers

Chomper hides the kids in odorous plants and offers them leafy food as a safe retreat while his predator, a Giganotosaurus, stalks the island. Ducky is briefly captured by a Pterodactylus but escapes. The fear forces tense moments, and trust between the friends grows.

Cera’s distrust strains the bond with Chomper

Cera distrusts Chomper, causing heartache for the young sharptooth, who departs in tears. Littlefoot follows and apologizes, seeking to mend the budding friendship. The moment highlights the complexity of cross-species bonds and growing empathy.

The cliff battle: Chomper’s parents defend the kids

The Giganotosaurus corners the children at a cliff above the Big Water, and Chomper’s parents join the fray to protect them. The Sharptooth is overwhelmed and falls into the Big Water, taking Chomper with him. Littlefoot dives in to rescue Chomper as the current sweeps the predator away.

Elsie the Elasmosaurus arrives and saves the group

A second swimming Sharptooth appears, but Elsie the Elasmosaurus arrives to save Littlefoot and Chomper from drowning. She returns them safely to the island, where Chomper’s parents vow never to eat the children. The creatures bond and gratitude fills the island.

Farewells and a crossing plan

Chomper’s mother nuzzles Littlefoot in gratitude for saving Chomper, confirming a new understanding between Sharpteeth and Longnecks. Elsie offers to take them across the sea, and Chomper and his parents bid them farewell, with a promise to meet again.

The herd finds a sanctuary on the mainland

When they reach the mainland, the herd discovers a lush sanctuary on the shore where they can stay while the valley remains unsafe. The temporary haven allows the group to regroup and plan their next steps. The sense of safety strengthens their resolve to survive.