Matt Chun is a finalist in the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Award for New Illustrator, which aims to recognise and encourage new talent in the field of Australian children's book illustration. 

In October last year he released Australian Birds. It features the images of 16 different species of birds created using pencils and water colour alongside information about each animal.

"Australian Birds is my first picture book, so its selection as a Children's Book Council of Australia Notable Book, and its shortlisting for Best New Illustrator, was an amazing surprise," he said.  

READ MORE: Matt Chun releases his first picture book Australian Birds

"The New Illustrator award was formerly known as the Chichton Award, and its alumni includes some of my favourite Australian children's book artists.

"It's a big nod of approval from the industry, and I'm thrilled that it has been so well received." 

Mr Chun said just as importantly he has had a lot of positive feedback from readers, booksellers and public collections around Australia.

"Additionally, a publisher in China has recently acquired the rights, so I'm looking forward to seeing a Chinese edition in the near future!" he said. 

He is now busy creating his second picture book for Little Hare Books, which is due for release later this year.

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It is a companion piece to Australian Birds, this time presenting illustrations of Australian sea life, and he has been able to do a lot of research for this publication near his beachside studio in Bermagui.

"I've been sketching local soldier crabs, stingrays, our annual crop of bluebottles and a beautiful washed-up specimen of a weedy sea dragon. Its such a pleasure to live and work on this coastline," Mr Chun said. 

"Beyond that, I'm working on some exciting collaborative book projects and preparing for a large solo exhibition in Taipei in September."

The 2019 CBCA Book of the Year Awards winners will be announced on August 16.