The song "God Bless the Child" was first performed by legendary jazz vocalist Billie Holiday in 1939 and remains one of her enduring masterpieces. In this stunning picture book interpretation, award-winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney doesn't make the mistake of trying to literally interpret the lyrics; instead he allows Holiday's soulful vocals to inspire him as he takes us along with a family moving from the rural South to the urban North during the Great Migration that reached its peak in the 1930s. The family starts off happily playing outside in the Southern sunshine, then we see them working the fields, packing up, moving on, and catching their first glimpse of the big city. We see them adjusting to life in the city though a series of new experiences: the el train, an ice cream man, an automobile, and formal schooling. Pinkney's signature watercolor illustrations are among the finest in his distinguished career, elegantly capturing the warmth and hopefulness of a close-knit family. An artist's note gives a brief insight into the Great Migration and a CD of Billie Holiday's timeless recording of "God Bless the Child" is included to enjoy along with the book. Your whole family will be enraptured by these heartfelt images as the wonderful sound of Billie Holiday's magnificent voice delights your ears. Truly a book for the whole family!