All phases in the life of Sumi, a coho salmon, are shown from her trip down river to the ocean; her time as a fully mature fish swimming in the great seas; to the most fascinating and mysterious period in the life cycle of these magic animals, the determined return against great obstacles to her birthplace.

Thousands of people come to witness these last great moments in the lives of salmon because it is such a moving and interesting phenomenon. As wild salmon become rarer due to our exploitation of their environment and the consequent destruction of their habitat, as well as from our abusive overfishing practices, their story engages us more than ever.

This book is a plea for protection of salmon and of the natural world which they inhabit. A capsule life cycle presents the factual basis for the poetic text, and an afterward decribes the threats facing wild salmon today.

Using simple words and striking pictures, the story of the brief life of Sumi, a coho salmon, is told. All phases of Sumi's life are shown, from her trip downriver to the ocean; to her time as a mature fish swimming in the great seas; to the most mysterious period in her life cycle--the determined return against great obstacles to the remote creek of her birthplace. Full-color illustrations.