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?
Reviews
"This funny picture book has it all... 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." — Booktrust, Irish Book of the Month
"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
"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." — Booklist
Written by Lily Murray, Illustrated by Clive McFarland
Published by Oxford University Press, 2024