JUST about all our readers will know that Shaun Tan is a freelance artist and author in Melbourne.

He’ll be at Manning Clark House on Friday for the opening of a small show of his works.

Tan began drawing and painting images for science fiction and horror stories in magazines as a teenager, and has since become best-known for illustrated books that deal with social, political and historical subjects through surreal, imagery.

Books like  “The Rabbits”, “The Red Tree”, “Tales from Outer Suburbia” and his “wordless” novel, “The Arrival”, have been widely translated and enjoyed by readers all over the world.

Tan has also worked as a theatre designer, most famously on the adaptation of  “The Lost Thing” by Greg Lissaman, director of Canberra’s Jigsaw Theatre, and seen at the NGA  in 2004.

Tan worked as a concept artist for the films “Horton Hears a Who” and Pixar’s “WALL-E”, and directed the Oscar-winning short film of “The Lost Thing” with Passion Pictures Australia.

In 2011 he received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, for  his contribution to international children’s literature.

His work has been seen recently at the Canberra Museum and Gallery in the touring exhibition, “Look! The art of Australian picture books today”.

“Illustrations of Shaun Tan” until June 30, Mon-Sat 9-4, at Manning Clark House, 11 Tasmania Circle Forrest. Tan will be at the exhibition from  3-4pm on Saturday, June 23. $10/$7 entry.  Limited tickets at the door. Bookings to  6295 1808.