Guji Guji is the story of a crocodile raised by ducks. There's no "ugly duckling" angle here - everyone gets along swimmingly within the family, and Guji Guji is clueless about his real ancestry until a trio of adult crocs show up and try to convince him he has an obligation to help them eat his adoptive family.

The most remarkable thing about this book, besides its standout illustrations, is the fact that the young crocodile has no tortured confusion about whether or not he should help his genetic brethren with their plan. He mulls over their claims and quickly concludes that although he doesn't appear to be all duck, he's nothing like those nasty crocodiles on the inside, and he quickly comes to his own solution to the problem, which sends the predators off without a tooth left in their mouths. The level of self-knowledge this presupposes, and the idea that sometimes challenges to one's sense of self (be they by crocodiles or schoolyard bullies) can be easily dismissed by looking inward, are rare in children's books, whose authors more frequently prefer the drama of inner turmoil prior to the right decision being made. All in all, it's a light take on a heavy topic that can buoy children looking for inspiration on how to be their own person. Highly recommended at the bargain-lover's hardcover price of $8. - Jeremiah