Shaun Tan author page

Shaun Tan biography

Shaun Tan is an acclaimed Australian author and illustrator, known for his work in children’s and young adult literature. He was born in Fremantle, Western Australia. Tan is celebrated for his unique storytelling style, which often combines surreal and fantastical elements with poignant themes.

Tan’s career began in the mid-1990s, contributing illustrations to various science fiction and horror magazines. His first major publication as an author and illustrator was The Viewer in 1997, a collaboration with Gary Crew. This was followed by The Rabbits in 1998, also with Crew, which won the CBCA Picture Book of the Year in 1999.

In 2000, Tan published The Lost Thing, a picture book that he both wrote and illustrated. This work was later adapted into an animated short film, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2011. Another notable work, The Arrival, was released in 2006. This wordless graphic novel received widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Award.

Tan’s other significant works include Tales from Outer Suburbia (2008), The Red Tree (2001), and Cicada (2018). His books often explore themes of belonging, identity, and the immigrant experience, presented through intricate illustrations and imaginative narratives.