"Escaping persecution for being Jewish, the Baline family flee Russia and arrive by ship in New York Harbor in September 1893. Little Israel Isidore Baline is only five years old. After arriving at Ellis Island, the first stop for all immigrants, Israel and his family are ready to begin a new life in America. His family settles on the Lower East Side and soon Israel (now nicknamed Izzy) starts school. And while he learns English, he is not a very good student. According to his teachers, he daydreams and sings in class. But while these may not be traits that are helpful in the classroom, they are wonderful tools for a budding singer and composer. And by the time Izzy (now known as Irving) is a young man, he is well on his way to becoming one of the most well-known composers in America. this vivid picture-book biography examines the life of Irving Berlin, the distinguished artist whose songs, including "God bless America" and "White Christmas," continue to be popular today."--Book jacket.