The Ballad of Cactus Joe

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?

Winner of the 35th Annual “Reading the West Book Award” for the Picture Books Category

"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!