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“This is a humorous look at the importance of cooperation, especially during times of crisis. . . . A spirited look at the comfort of community.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Cactus Home is a thoughtfully crafted early reader that conveys an important message about community and inclusion through simple, accessible text. . . . ideal for emerging readers developing fluency and for interactive read-aloud sessions. . . . Young children will enjoy guessing what is happening in each scene. This visually rich, warmly told story provides young readers with an accessible introduction to empathy, collaboration, and hard work.”

—Booklist

Cactus Home

Written by Vikram Madan
Illustrated by Vikram Madan
Published by Holiday House

A busy home bustles with activity—and unexpected neighbors—in this sweet early reader about welcoming new friends, by a Geisel Honor winning creator.

This cactus is home to many critters. Birds tweet. . . bats read. . . owls play. Everyone shares, and everyone has fun!

But one day, spiders move into the cactus. The rest of the critters aren’t sure about the spiders. . . They are new. Will they share? Will they be fun? No one knows.

Then a storm hits their cactus home. Right away, the spiders pitch in to help. They join. They fix. They make repairs. Maybe these new neighbors will become new friends. . .

Primary ISBN: 9780823461653
Publication Date: June 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

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