Novel for older children. Ken, an aspiring young country-bred athlete, is daunted at his own lacklustre performance when he joins a city swimming squad. A visit from his Japanese Aunt Maya and her recounting of the story of the Whale's Child has an eerie effect on Ken's dreams and swimming skills. He is compelled to explore his own cultural heritage and travel to his family's traditional home in Japan. Author's other works include 'After Dark', 'Space Demons' and 'Answers to Brut'.