If a wordless picture book has an author, is it correct to say that the author of the book wrote the book?

Answer 1

The definition of a "book" in the Merriam-Webster dictionary includes "a set of written sheets of skin or paper or tablets of wood or ivory" and "a long written or printed literary composition." Although a wordless picture book does not contain any written text, it is still considered a book and requires an author or illustrator to create the visual narrative.

Therefore, it is correct to say that the author of a wordless picture book created or illustrated the book, even if they did not write any text. The author's artistic choices, such as the composition, style, and color of the illustrations, contribute to the story and convey meaning to the reader.

Answer 2

Yes, because in this case, the person whose thoughts/ideas are being expressed is the author. It is the author’s intention to communicate via a book, even without words. Authors can be also be illustrators. But the person who just draws the illustration is only an illustrator. Her/his thoughts did not spark the main ideas being conveyed to the reader.