Shaun Tan
Welcome to Creative Kids Tales, Shaun Tan.
At the end of each year, I compile a list of authors I would love to feature the following year on Creative Kids Tales. Some on the list come under the category of wish list, because I know it doesn’t matter how much I beg, their schedule is just too crazy. Shaun Tan was on our wish list, but I still had to try. It only took one email, and Shaun graciously accepted the invitation. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be sitting here writing his intro, so I'd better make it a good one.
Shaun was born in Fremantle, Western Australia in the early 70’s and spent his youth in Perth’s northern suburbs.
Being one of the shortest kids in school was soon overshadowed by his natural ability to draw, and Shaun quickly became known as the ‘good drawer’. He spent his young days illustrating poems and stories. His work closely followed by his peers with drawings of dinosaurs, robots and spaceships morphing from simple to glimpses of the signature genius we have come to recognise in Shaun’s work today.
It is documented that Shaun became fascinated with television series The Twilight Zone and similarly themed books during his youth. Inspired by his love for sci-fi and favourite author for this period, Ray Bradbury Shaun penned his own short stories. The pile of rejection letters is proof of his determination and by the age of sixteen (1990), Shaun’s first illustration was published in the Australian magazine, Aurealis.
Imagine what the world would have missed if Shaun had have followed his passion and become a geneticist. Shaun not only studied art in High School, he also fed his enthusiasm for science studying chemistry, physics, history and English.
It was during his years at the University of Western Australia that he changed his focus from academic studies to art. In 1995, Shaun graduated with joint honours in Fine Arts and English Literature.
His first published cover was for The Pipe by James Moloney, published in 1996 by Lothian Children’s Books and followed by covers for The Stray Cat, by Steven Paulsen also in 1996. In 1997, Shaun’s illustrations graced the covers of books such as The Doll by Janine Burke, The Half Dead by Garry Disher and The Viewer by Gary Crew.
During 1997 Shaun released his first author/illustrated title; The Playground, but also he continued to illustrate work for other authors such as; John Marsden, Nette Hilton, Ian Bone, Gary Crew and Kelly Link.
With his individual titles increasing; The Lost Thing in 2000, The Red Tree (2001), The Arrival (2006), Tales from Outer Suburbia (2008), The Bird King and other sketches (2011) so too was his popularity and accolades.
His awards are….well there are simply too many to list here, so I’ll highlight the ones that defined his career.
The first of many awards, the L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest was awarded in 1992. Shaun was the first Australian to receive this award. He has received a string of Ditmar Awards for his work beginning in 1993 for Relics, in 1995 for Aurealis and Eidolon 1996, again for Eidolon (Cover) in 1997 for Eidolon and the cover of The Stray Cat. In 1998, he received multiple awards Crichton Award, CBCA Notable and the Ditmar Award for The Viewer. From 1999-2002, he won a string of awards for various works CBCA for The Rabbits, The Playground, Memorial, The Lost Thing and The Red Tree. WA Premier’s Book Awards for The Lost Thing and The Red Tree. Ditmar’s for The Rabbits, The Coode St Review of Science Fiction, The Lost Thing and Spectrum Gold Awards for The Rabbits.
From 2002, he took winning to a whole new level with awards from the NSW Premier’s Literary Award, the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature awarded for The Red Tree. In 2006, he won the WA Premier’s Award for The Arrival. In 2007, he took out the Ditmar, the CBCA’s and the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards for The Arrival. Shaun also collected the CBCA Picture Book of the Year for The Lost Thing.
In 2008, 2009 and 2010 he was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist and was nominated for Best Related Book for The Arrival. Tales from Outer Suburbia received a Dimtar and Adelaide Festival Awards in 2009-10. He took home the Dromkeen Medal and Hugo Award in 2010 for Best Professional Artist an in 2011 he won an Academy Award for Best Short Film (Animated) for The Lost Thing.
Year after year he continues to win industry sought after awards like the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award honouring his contribution to international children’s literature the Peter Pan Prize, Hugo’s, Ditmars and Locus Awards.
From his initial black and white drawings to today’s colourful explosions that dance across the pages of his much-loved picture books, Shaun has never been one to shy away from serious subjects, with his books addressing political, social and historical themes that have been translated for readers of all ages and nationalities to enjoy across the world.
Shaun is a highly regarded artist, writer and film-maker who is recognised worldwide. We celebrate Shaun Tan, from his humble beginnings in Perth drawing images for science fiction and horror stories to his Oscar achievement for The Lost Thing and the countless awards in between and for those still to come. Congratulations!
The Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists, open to all Perth school children aged between 5–17, is another testament to this legendary artist.
Shaun resides in Melbourne with his family.
You can learn more about Shaun Tan on either of the following:
Website: www.shauntan.net
The Bird King blog: thebirdking.blogspot.com.au
Read CKT's interview with Shaun Tan (Mar 2016)
Writing can be a lonely profession. By necessity, you need to work alone much of the time. But it is wonderful to have a website which eases that by connecting creators with each other and with a wealth of information and resources.
'I would have loved to have had access to creativekidstales.com.au when I was starting out! It's an invaluable source of information, inspiration and encouragement for both emerging (and fully-emerged!) writers.' - 
'If a website can be described as 'homely' or 'a friendly place for emerging writers to visit' then that's how I would describe Creative Kids Tales. It's probably the only Australian website for children's writers that I visit regularly and actually feel part of. When I need motivation, interesting writers to read about, or just a peek at my own 'baby steps' towards being a published writer, I visit the Creative Kids Tales family.' A big thank you to Georgie and Rod for a great website. - 
'Creative Kids Tales is a unique and valuable online resource for new and established authors. The site provides a wealth of information and insight into the children's writing world.' 'Thanks for all your support, Georgie, and keep up the good work.' - 
'Creative Kids Tales is a brilliant resource – for established writers and those just starting out. I wish it had been around when I was a new writer. There are lots of invaluable tips and great advice.
'Creative Kids Tales is ambitious, specific and professional - the Top Tips section alone is a must-read for every aspiring children's writer.' - 
'If there's anything emerging authors struggle with (beyond the dreaded writer's block), it's receiving recognition or even acknowledgment of their work – battling for a slice of that incredibly elusive publishing pie. Georgie Donaghey has created a priceless promotional and networking station that allows new authors to not only share their work, but gain the courage and nous to take their work to a whole new level. Creative Kids Tales is a valuable addition to Australia's burgeoning children's book market.' - 
'What can I say? Well if you have clicked this far and uncovered these words you KNOW that this (Creative Kids Tales) is a terrific resource full of ideas and connections.
'CKT is such a valuable site for anybody wanting to learn a bit more about making children’s books. When time travelling becomes possible, I’ll steal all the info from this site and deliver it to my younger, aspiring self.'
'Creative Kids Tales is such a great website for navigating this industry – not just for authors and illustrators, but for parents and teachers and librarians and publishers and kids and storytellers of all sorts. It’s awesome!' - 
'Creative Kids Tales is a great forum for people who spend most of their working time alone. It is interesting and inspiring to see and hear what other authors and illustrators have to say.' - 
"What a wonderful website and wealth of resources. I wish I’d discovered it sooner - but I can still enjoy it now, and have added it to my list of resources for new writers."
'This is a great website. Nowadays, when getting published is so hard and staying published not much easier, everyone needs all the help they can get. And here's Help with a capital H!' 'Go Georgie! Creative Kids Tales is an inspiration for all writers of children's and YA fiction.' - 
'Creative Kids tales is the perfect place to go for inspiration and to recharge the creative batteries.'
'Everything you need is here, on Creative Kids Tales! Oh, how wonderful this would have been for the young Emma Quay, knowing she loved children’s picture books but not knowing a soul in the industry. Down to earth, comprehensive, friendly, realistic and encouraging advice — this is an invaluable resource. Bravo!' - 
'What a wonderful website Creative Kids Tales is, supporting and helping Australian authors in their quest through the dark thorny forest of the publishing world. Georgie should be congratulated for all her hard work and fearless leadership!' - 
'Creative Kids Tales is a lovely online meeting space brimming with support and ideas for writers.'
'I stumbled on to Creative Kids Tales by accident. I thought it was kid's tails. I'd been doing some research about goats and how their tails were actually a fifth leg, a very long time ago. Or did I just dream that? In any case, I was bitterly disappointed at first to find not tails, but tales. However, while I was at the site I had a wander around, and soon discovered that it was even better than a goat's site - no kidding! This is a brilliant haven for writers, new and not so new; a place to showcase their work and to learn from others.' Well done, Georgie. You've done a fantastic job. - www.enterprisingwords.com.au
'I love the grumpy cat videos, hahaha it's so grumpy ... oh, wait, wrong website. Ah yes, Creative Kids Tales. Brilliant! Getting published is an amazing, frustrating, brilliant, lonely, creative journey, and www.creativekidstales.com.au is awesome in that it helps both published and pre-published authors by providing support, inspiration, a community, and by allowing authors to learn from other authors, and who better is there to learn from .. .except maybe that grumpy cat, hahaha, hilarious.' - 
'Creative Kids Tales is a fabulous community of passionate, hardworking and committed writers. If you're looking for new and exciting talent that's dedicated to the children's book industry - look no further than CKT!'
'Creative Kids Tales offers new writers the joy of publication on their journey of craft and creativity.'
'It's easy to feel alone when writing, and clueless about what happens next. Creative Kids Tales offers answers and community - invaluable resources.'
'CKT is informative, relevant, recent and fun! It’s an exceptional resource for anyone involved in children’s literature.'
'Emerging from one's chrysalis of anonymity into the prodigious world of creative children's writing and publishing is a daunting prospect. Georgie Donaghey's Creative Kids Tales is a superlative source of inspiration and information for the bourgeoning writer and illustrator. She has created an invaluable platform from which writers, both developing and established, can view, promote and share each other's work, and most importantly aspirations. A fun, friendly, and informative forum that everyone in the kids' lit industry can benefit from.' Keep it up Georgie! - 
'Wow! Creative Kids Tales is a fantastic resource for writers, no matter what stage of their writing journey they are at. Congratulations, Georgie, on your attractive, easy-to-navigate website, your generosity to your fellow writers and your constantly evolving ideas. Thanks on behalf of all of us.' - 
'CKT is a great resource for both established and emerging authors. I like the way you're always coming up with new and exciting initiatives at your site. And I love reading the fascinating journeys and achievements of the writers you profile here.' - 
'What a great asset you are to the children's book industry, Georgie.
'Georgie and the team at Creative Kids Tales have a wonderful passion for children’s stories, and this site is a wonderful place to visit to find and share ideas!
'What a great site! We all tend to work in isolation in our own little caves. It’s great to see all the other cave dwellers out there and realise we are not alone. What a great resource!'
'Wow! What a wonderful resource.
'Creative Kids Tales is great. You can pick the brains of people who make stuff without having to stalk them or do anything illegal.' - 
'Having been a publisher and an author and now proprietor of Pinerolo, the Children’s Book Cottage, I am passionate about promoting children’s books. Creative Kids Tales is such a welcome part of this network and I salute them for their support and their inspiration to so many. On their seventh birthday I wish them many, many happy returns.'
'Creative Kids Tales is a treasure trove of resources and insights, compiled with dedication and enthusiasm. A wonderful resource for anyone who is interested in picture books and children's literature.' - 
'It's about time that we had something like Creative Kids Tales. It's a treasure trove for information and news, plus it showcases talent from aspiring writers. It's a wonderful springboard for anyone who wants to dive into the Children books world!'
'The Creative Kids Tales site is great fun and full of information about authors and their books!' - 
'Georgie Donaghey’s Creative Kids Tales is deservedly going gangbusters! What a wonderful forum and multi-storeyed resource for shiny new authors, legends of the industry and every writer in between!'
'Creative Kids Tales contributes a wonderful sense of community to the Australian kids’ book scene, from sharing insightful interviews, to writing competitions and now a conference. It’s a great organisation to follow online and be a part of!'
"Whether just starting out or with many books under your belt, Creative Kids Tales is the perfect place to go for all things writerly. Sharing the inner world is a wonderful thing for solitary writers, and it's all there on Georgie's website.
'CKT is like the friendly and helpful colleague I could have done with when I started out. Back then I didn’t know anyone who was a writer or illustrator of books.'
Creative Kids Tales offers a brilliant platform for established and emerging creators to keep in touch and learn from each other. That is a great thing for this most isolated of all professions (apart from On-site Antarctic Penguin Imitators). - 
'Creative Kids Tales provides such a valuable service. Writing can be a lonely business at times, and seeking publication can be daunting. So it is especially wonderful for writers to be able to access such a comprehensive site where information, experiences and the ups and downs of writing for kids can be shared.' Well done, Georgie! - 
'Once you find an easily-accessible, up-to-date and vibrant source of writing help and encouragement, you should value it and use it! Thanks to Creative Kids Tales, that’s all available, just with the tap of your finger: 
'The details available on this site, for emerging writers (or those emerged) is incredibly helpful. From creating stories- plotting, dialogue and character building- to the support writers can seek for their work, be it mentoring or seeking a publisher, it’s all there. An excellent easy-to-access writers’ site!'
'I’m thrilled to be Creative Kids Tales author of the month.' 'I hope in some small way by me taking part, I might help and inspire young authors and artists to follow their own artistic path.' 'The key I believe is to seek to enjoy what you do. Even though doing your best is a constant challenge I find it is a worthwhile one. So, get drawing and / or writing.' Good luck ! - 
'Thanks for being such a strong advocate for children’s literature, the power of stories, and reading.
'Creative Kids Tales is an awesome resource you should totally check it out.' - 
'Creative Kids Tales will jump-start adults seeking to become writers!' - 
'Congratulations on a brilliant site, and a superb first year!'.
'I wish Creative Kids Tales had been around when I was first starting out! What a brilliant way to connect with other authors and find out about the lovely world of kids books.' 'Go Georgie! I think you're amazing.' - 
'Buckets of thanks to Georgie for creating Creative Kids Tales. There’s a wealth of wonderful information and resources for everyone interested in creating books for kids – and a warm sense of community.'
'This site is such a wonderful resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the journey. I've learned more about some of my favourite people in children's literature here, but also had the joy of discovering whole new worlds of talent.' - 
'Creative Kids Tales is a fantastic resource for aspiring writers that showcases emerging and published authors and illustrators and provides links to publishers' websites, helpful hints and competitions.'
'Creative Kids Tales deserves all its accolades. Thanks to its creator, the site provides brilliant support, inspiration and encouragement for anyone who loves creating children's books. I have no hesitation in passing on your link.'
'Creative Kids Tales has inspired, encouraged and supported not only the published, but also us hopefuls still learning the ways of the publishing world. Thanks for providing not only an amazing site to scroll and learn through, but also providing friendship and a real sense of chasing our dreams.' - 
'Congratulations to Georgie Donaghey for her hard work and enthusiasm in setting up a site that has been sorely needed to promote current Australian children's writing. Not just for the established, but for up and coming, Creative Kids Tales showcases talent and provides information essential for anyone in the industry.' - www.enterprisingwords.com.au
'The thing I like about the Creative Kids Tales website is that the authors come across as real people who face the same problems that beginning writers do and that there’s plenty of practical advice.' - 
What a terrific, enthusiastic, informative and creative resource - of value and interest to so many people.
'Thanks for having me on Creative Kids Tales. It's a great resource for emerging writers and illustrators and I hope it will have a long future.'
'Creative Kids Tales would’ve been mighty handy to know about back when I was sitting about drawing and writing and having no idea what to do with any of it! Go explore and create knowing you have such an amazing resource at your back!'
'The long-distance marathon of writing, illustrating and publishing usually begins along a very foggy road, in the dark, shoeless. But wait! What's that light on the horizon? A glowing little cafe, full of a bunch other runners plotting out mud-maps on napkins and exchanging anecdotes, warning about ditches and praising short-cuts. Stop for a while, have a cup of tea, maybe even a shoe-fitting, then get yourself back on the road for the long slog to sunrise.' - 