God Bless the Child

Jazz. The Great Depression. The Deep South. The Great Migration.

These don’t sound like the usual subject matter for a children’s picture book, but, wait; think, Billie Holiday and the timeless recording of her own lyrics (along with Arthur Herzog Jr.) “God Bless the Child”.

God Bless the Child

Written by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog & Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

A picture book tells a story with pictures in tandem with words. Like a film, the words guide the story, but the visual is what makes those very perfect words take flight.

To me, God Bless the Child’s illustrations are very reminiscent of the 1990 August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play “The Piano Lesson” that starred Charles S. Dutton. Dutton turned in one of those riveting, soulfully authentic performances that stay with audience members for decades. I can’t help but think that seeing Billie Holiday perform “God Bless the Child” as a similar experience.

Illustrator Jerry Pinkney has captured the dusty, hopeful feeling and muted colors of the Great Depression with historic perfection. He works in an interesting way; costuming friends and relatives, creating a theatrical scene, photographing them, and then turning that photograph into an illustration. Mr. Pinkney has been illustrating since 1964 with over 100 books to his credit. How's that for prolific?! He is a 4 time recipient of the Caldecott Honor Medal, 4 time Coretta Scott King Award winner, 2 time Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner, along with countless other awards.  I encourage you to visit Jerry's website and read his extensive bio and be wowed by his treasured illustrations. You will need a separate library just to accommodate these works.


“God Bless the Child” comes with the original soundtrack recording of Billie Holiday that runs on a loop so a child can take their time look at the illustrations while listening to one of the great recording artists of all time. Now, that is what reading and art is all about!


To be continued. . .