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?

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!

Lily Murray grew up in the wilds of snowy nowhere, spending much of her time talking to animals and making up stories. She has continued to do this in her adult life and now writes both fiction and nonfiction books for children. Her titles include everything from big books about dinosaurs and escapee hot dogs to Little Bunny’s Surprise and Mr. Badger’s Christmas Wish for Macmillan Children’s Books.

Clive McFarland is an author and illustrator who crafts picture books. Raised in Omagh, County Tyrone, he graduated from Liverpool School of Art and Design. While studying, Clive rediscovered the books that shaped his childhood and felt inspired to create his own characters. His work has gained recognition, including AOI World Illustration Awards shortlistings and a spot in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Clive has collaborated with leading publishers such as HarperCollins, Templar Books, and Nancy Paulsen’s imprint at Penguin. He lives in Northern Ireland.