Echidnas, known for their docile temperament and tendency to hide from conflict, are not an Australian animal that is usually ‘destined for trouble’. But Liam is a different kind of ‘Chid’… he is adventurous and has a fierce fire that flares up inside him when he sees an injustice. It makes him do things … unexpected things, like taking on the Goanna Gang. That, of course, did not end well but it did start him on an exciting and perilous journey, away from the safety of Boggy Hollow, past the Scrub to the plainlands dominated by ‘The Bloody Paw’ Kangaroo Warriors. Perhaps the fire inside him is all he, a groundcrawler, needs to become a warrior as well.
The first book in an animal adventure series, from Brisbane author, Meredith Downes, is an epic adventure that introduces the reader to Liam, his sidekick, Flip the turtle and the other animals that help him find his true self. Downes clearly has a passion for native animals and describes them and their environment so well that the reader can visualize each and hear their voice. Her sporadic illustrations would assist someone, perhaps from outside Australia, who has never seen them. Her writing draws the reader into Liam’s world and what it is like to be a small animal in a vast land.
This is an action, adventure story with fights and plenty of bumps and bruises for Liam, but it is also a story of unexpected friendship, humour and personal growth. It’s a good chapter book for middle grade, with excitement enough to keep them engaged and wanting to read more of Liam’s adventures.
“Liam is an echidna destined for trouble.”
