Meredith Downes
       author & illustrator

​About the book

The first book in a thrilling new middle grade animal adventure series from Australian author, Meredith Downes, "Liam the Chid and the Kangaroo Warriors" is a tale filled with action, humour and heart. It tells about a young echidna, who must go on a perilous journey to seek the great kangaroo warriors and learn their secret fighting arts.​​​

 

Liam is an echidna destined for trouble. A fierce fire inside him makes him do strange things...crazy things! Like standing up to the wicked Goanna Gang, something no other echidna has ever dared before. But when Liam learns he must find the kangaroo warriors and learn their secret fighting arts, he knows it's the craziest thing he's done yet! Can he make it all the way to the Roo Plains? Will the Roos really help him or just crush him into tiny pieces? Does he even have what it takes to become a toothless warrior? Find out in "Liam the Chid and the Kangaroo Warriors".

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Reviews

"At its heart, it is a novel about self-discovery and friendship in a uniquely Australian setting that will appeal to readers aged eight and over." - The Book Muse (full review)

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"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." - StoryLinks (full review)

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"The themes of friendship, loyalty, coping with bullies, finding yourself and being brave are presented in an easily comprehensible style...Readers aged 8 plus will enjoy this adventure." - Magpies magazine, November 2025 p.41

 

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