The Ballad of Cactus Joe

Cactus Joe is lean and mean, and happy singing by himself. But then a woodpecker persuades him to let him live on one of his branches. Then an owl. And a hawk builds a nest on his spikes.

Suddenly, all the birds flock to live with him. But Joe has had enough! Off they all fly... and Joe realises he’s lonely. Perhaps life is better with friends? 

This funny picture book has it all: a singing, grumpy cactus; a variety of birds; and a surprise at the end. Joe’s rhyming song – which he keeps having to adapt – is fun to say aloud in a sing-song voice, and children will enjoy listening for the differences as more friends are added.

The very final pages contain information about the animals that live near the cacti in southern Arizona and northern Mexico, such as bats, coyotes and jackrabbits. There is much to discuss here as Saguaro cacti support a lot of life in the desert.  

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. Fun to share one on one and with a group.