"This charmingly nostalgic rhyming picture book celebrates the magic of bird song and seasonal cycles while sharing messages around respecting the natural world."
Ruth Mary Flanagan’s The Last Song of the Mistle Thrush presents a stirring cautionary tale that’s both suffused in timeless charm, and very much of our times. Alongside inviting young readers to bathe in the glory of the natural world, it also shares messages around the need to treasure and protect planet Earth, and all its creatures.
The rhyming narrative takes the form of a cycle through nature’s seasons, enhanced by bucolic, folk-art-esque illustrations that speak to nostalgia-loving grown-ups as much as they do to children’s imaginations — think swirls of golden fields, generous daubs of autumnal leaves, and sweeps of snow-swathed scenery, all accompanied by the mistle thrush’s ever-shifting song.
Come year-end, the mistle thrush sings “of footprints in the snow/Of people walking to and fro” until “one dark day”, when its song is silenced by men with blades who “felled the trees that lined the glades”. Then, through a dark time of shame-filled reflection, after mourning the loss of the bird that brought joy to human lives, collective tears bring forth fresh life and hope.
High in the treetops, a mistle thrush sings of the wonders it sees. But when the trees are lost, its song must change-to one of hope, resilience, and the urgent call to protect our world.
The Last Song of the Mistle Thrush is a heartfelt tale about hope, love and fresh starts, and the responsibility we all share for nature's future. Blending its evocative imagery with seamless rhyme, this enchanting picture book inspires children to appreciate Earth's simple gifts and to understand their role as future guardians of nature.
This is a poem for our time, captured forever in a lyrical style that reflects traditional childhood poems in a fresh and nostalgic way.
Perfect for quiet moments or anyone who believes in the power of words to linger in the heart. It is the ideal gift for children to treasure.
Shortlisted for the Hammond House International Literary Prize (2018).
Watch Author Ruth Mary Flanagan introduce her heartfelt tale.
'This book is an exquisite kaleidoscope of poetic words and colour that beautifully encapsulates the passing of time. Each page invites young readers to pause, reflect, and appreciate the wonder woven into the world around them. In our fast-paced lives, this story gently reminds children of the value of slowing down and making heartfelt choices, so they can continue to appreciate the preciousness of the world around them. It is a timeless must-have for every child's bookshelf.' Dr Marcelle Moore, Author & Child Psychologist
'This book is like birdsong' Jeanne Willis, International bestselling children's author and multi-prize winner
'An ode to the mistle thrush, witnessing the beauty of the English countryside and the foolishness of mankind, with stunning illustrations and a happy ending!' Wafa' Tarnowska, International bestselling children's author and multi-prize winner
'A must-have for every child's bookshelf - gentle, thought-provoking and full of heart' Venessa Taylor, author of Baller Boys
Author
About Ruth Mary Flanagan
Ruth Mary Flanagan is an award-winning poet and author with a passion for lyrical storytelling. She won her first writing prize at 14 and rediscovered her love for poetry in 2017.
Her poem The Last Song of the Mistle Thrush was shortlisted for the Hammond House International Literary Prize, leading to further accolades, including Judge's Choice in 2020 and a poetry prize in 2021 for Spellbound. Her work has been featured in anthologies of award-winning poetry such as Precious, Leaving, Survival, Changes, Stardust and Masks.
She has most recently adapted The Last Song of the Mistle Thrush into a beautifully-illustrated children's book. Inspired by the classic poetry she loved as a child, her writing blends evocative imagery with seamless rhyme, creating work that resonates across generations.
Ruth lives in Dorset with her husband and cat. She has two grown up daughters.
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