The Last Song of the Mistle Thrush by Ruth Mary Flanagan

The Last Song of the Mistle Thrush

 by Ruth Mary Flanagan

 “Upon this spot, in days of old, A mistle thrush, so I’ve been told, Would perch high in a tall oak tree. And sing of life’s rich tapestry. He sang of bees and butterflies, Of morning dew and azure skies, Of maidens dancing at the fayre With daisy garlands in their hair.” 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. A lyrical and beautifully illustrated children’s poem, 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. Shortlisted for the Hammond House International Literary Prize (2018)

My Thoughts

This is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book that has a message of importance for everyone, young and old who is lucky enough to read it. Told in classic rhyming prose it tells the story of the Mistle Thrush singing from the tall oak tree about what he says in the world and life around him.  

As it says on the first page this is A Poem For Our Time and what will happen if we don’t take responsibility for looking after the world and the enviroment we live in. The illustrations by Sarah Lovell are beautiful and there is just enough prose on each page to keep the youngest of readers engaged with lots to discuss about what they can see .

Nature is fragile and shouldn’t be taken for granted and The Last Song of the Mistle Thrush puts this across beautifully.

About Ruth

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. ruthmaryflanagan.com @ruthmaryflanaganauthor 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 such as Precious, Leaving, Stardust, Changes, and Survival. She has most recently adapted The Last Song of the Mistle Thrush into a beautifully-illustrated children’s book, published by Brown Dog Books in May 2025. Inspired by the classic poetry she loved as a child, Ruth’s writing blends evocative imagery with seamless rhyme, creating work that resonates across generations. Ruth lives in Dorset with her husband and cat and has two grown up daughters.