Bilbo’s Last Song
by J.R.R. Tolkien, Pauline Baynes (Illustrator)
4 out of 5 stars

As Bilbo sets off on his last journey from Rivendell to the shores of the sea, he sings this last poem as his farewell to MiddleEarth before boarding a ship that will take him to Valinor with Gandalf, Frodo, and Elrond. The poem itself is not very long, with one stanza on each page.

This book is beautifully illustrated with gorgeous settings that show Bilbo on his way to Valinor. The illustrations begin with Bilbo at Rivendell. He talks with Elrond about making the last trip, and they make plans for travelling. Bilbo and the company of Elves pass through the Shire, where Frodo and Sam join them. They reach the harbor where Cirdan the shipwright is waiting to greet them. They say goodbye to Sam, Merry, and Pippin. The final illustration shows Bilbo reaching the shores of Valinor.

Surrounding the text of the poem is lovely artwork of trees, flowers, and vines with little animals and birds.

At the bottom of each page are additional small bits of artwork showing Bilbo’s adventures in The Hobbit. These little illustrations show Bilbo, Gandalf, Thorin, and the dwarves on their journey to the Lonely Mountain, and how they defeated the dragon Smaug. It’s such a great little addition as Bilbo reminisces about his past adventures!

I was so enchanted with all the gorgeous artwork that I reread the book three times, noticing some new little detail in the illustrations each time!