The story begins when a crocodile mother mistakes a dragon egg as her own & raises the baby as a croc. Crocky Dial Dooby learns quickly to hide his unusual appendages to remain accepted in the river clan. But when his wings grow out & he breathes fire, he saves face by roasting marshmallows & giving sky rides. Although he starts fires by sneezing or speaking, he becomes a cook & flying fireman, while ultimately maturing into quite the arbiter of social acceptance & change.