Kino lived on a farm on the side of a mountain in Japan. Beneath, a on strip of seashore, was the fishing village where his playmate, Jiya, lived. When the big tidal wave came and swept the whole fishing village away, Jiya was the only one of his family who escaped. He came to live with Kino and worked with him on the farm.

When he grew older and was ready to marry Kino's sister, he wanted to go back to the old beach and build a home there and be a fisherman. But he knew how to be ready if the big wave ever came again, how to face it and not be afraid.

Adventurous and colorful, the story also has a unique value for children in its explanation to them of the mysteries of life and death.

The book is illustrated by authentic Japanese prints showing scenes and incidents such as those in the story, an thus it introduces to boys and girls a popular and delightful branch of world art.

From the dust jacket