The Ballad of Cactus Joe

A solitary cactus faces unexpected visitors, challenging his desire for isolation.

4.0 Goodreads · 57 ratings

32 pages· AD500L

$14.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In the vast desert, Cactus Joe cherishes his solitude, singing his lonesome ballad each night. But when a woodpecker seeks shelter, offering to rid him of pesky insects, Joe's quiet life is disrupted. As more visitors arrive, Joe must decide if he can open his heart to companionship or if solitude is his true calling. Will the prickly cactus find joy in unexpected friendships, or will he retreat to his solitary ways? Discover the heartwarming journey of Cactus Joe and the surprising turns his life takes in this charming tale.

From the publisher

This delightful, read-aloud picture book follows one prickly saguaro named Cactus Joe who prefers a lonesome life until one day he faces one visitor after another, after another. Cactus Joe just wants to be alone…or does he? “The repeated refrain lends itself well to a readaloud in classrooms and libraries. The plot leaves plenty of room for discussion about behavior and communication for even the prickliest child.” –Becca Worthington, Booklist All alone in the hot, dusty desert lives Cactus Joe who sings his lonesome song each night and prefers being by himself. Then one day, a woodpecker arrives and offers to eat the insects off Cactus Joe in return for a place to stay. Sooner than Cactus Joe can say “prickle machine,” more visitors arrive, and Cactus Joe has had enough! The Ballad of Cactus Joe is a heartwarming picture book featuring a prickly, but beloved, saguaro cactus and his journey to decide if a solitary life is for him or if there is room in his heart for company. Featuring lyrics to Cactus Joe’s ballad paired with bright striking art, this heartwarming tale is sure to become a storytime favorite, and kids will be requesting Cactus Joe’s lonesome ballad time and time again!

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