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The Ballad of Cactus Joe

Lily Murray author Clive McFarland illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:2nd May '24

Should be back in stock very soon

The Ballad of Cactus Joe cover

A loner saguaro cactus discovers the importance of friendship.

A staunch loner, lean 'n' mean prickle machine Cactus Joe learns to value having others in his life in this heartwarming story about friendship.Cactus Joe is a lean 'n' mean prickle machine! He lives all alone in the desert and that's the way he likes it . . . until a woodpecker offers Joe a mighty fine deal: he'll eat Joe's pests if he gives him a home. Yeehaw! But soon more and more birds come to stay, and Joe decides enough is enough. All Joe wants is to be left alone . . . or does he? A heartwarming rhyming tale inspired by a real-life cactus!

"The plot leaves plenty of room for discussion about behavior and communication for even the prickliest child". * Becca Worthington, Booklist *
"A fun rhyming story that begs you to do the voices (my Cactus Joe got very loud), with fantastic illustrations - the nighttime desert scenes are particularly gorgeous." * Erika McGann, author of Chasing the Shy Town *
"Children will love the repetition and hilarity in this fun new picture book." * Scottish BookTrust *
"This rhyming tale of adapting to different circumstances and being open hearted is, with its surprise ending, huge fun. Clive McFarland's characterisation of the cactus is wonderful!" * Jill Bennett, Red Reading Hub *
"Murray has crafted a funny rhyming tale that adds new birds to Cactus Joe's branches bit by bit... McFarland makes the pages bright and colourful while remaining true to the story's desert setting... This is a beautiful picturebook with heart and humour." * Conor Bredin, Children's Books Ireland *
"A slightly cranky cactus strikes a deal with a woodpecker with unforeseeable consequences in this adorable picture book that carries a heartwarming message about adapting to new circumstances." * Waterstones *
"This funny picture book has it all: a singing, grumpy cactus; a variety of birds; and a surprise at the end... Clive McFarland's pictures contain clever characterisation and pops of bright orange to really engage the child. Never has a cactus had so much expression." * BookTrust *

ISBN: 9780192785688

Dimensions: 270mm x 230mm x 3mm

Weight: 162g

32 pages