I've started to see a strange phenomenon in children's books. It's almost magical, but not in a good way. Perhaps the worst-kept secret in the publishing world is that illustrators are the real heroes of children’s literature, but for some inexplicable reason, in the world of non-traditionally published children's books, a troubling trend is emerging: authors are leaving their illustrators' names off the covers. As a reviewer, I’ve encountered this issue exclusively in self-published and independently published books. Traditional publishers would never omit the illustrator's name—it’s an industry standard, an acknowledgment that in children's literature, visuals are as critical as words. Yet, in many indie children's books, the only name gracing the cover is the author’s, as if the images materialized on their own.

Why It’s a Problem:

For readers under a certain age, a book with illustrations and no words might still find its audience. Wordless picture books can be beautiful, artistic, and educational. But a book with words and no illustrations? Yeah, that's not going to go over well. The art carries the story just as much as, if not more than, the text. This is the reality of children's books. Children engage with books visually first. The illustrations guide them through the story, provide context for new vocabulary, and create an emotional connection. The notion that an illustrator's contribution is secondary is simply incorrect. Leaving their name off the cover not only disrespects their work but also misrepresents the book itself.

The Gig Economy’s Role in the Oversight:

One possible reason for this oversight is the rise of gig-based illustration work. Many indie authors hire illustrators through platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, treating the artwork as a commissioned service rather than a true collaboration. The assumption might be that because the illustrator was paid a flat fee, their involvement ends there—no need for credit. But that logic doesn’t hold up, even when the author owns all the rights to the artwork. A book’s illustrator, whether an industry veteran or a freelancer hired online, is still part of the creation of that book. They shape the world of the story. Whether their name is well-known or not, it belongs on the cover.

A Total No-No in Children's Publishing:

This practice isn’t just an unfortunate trend; it’s a complete misstep. In the children's book world, omitting the illustrator’s name diminishes the book’s credibility. It signals a lack of professionalism, potentially turning off librarians, teachers, and parents who expect to see both author and illustrator credited. Indie publishing has opened doors for countless writers who might never have found a traditional deal. But with that freedom comes responsibility. Independent authors must hold themselves to the same industry standards as traditional publishers. That means properly crediting illustrators—on the cover, in marketing, and everywhere the book is mentioned.

The solution is simple: if an illustrator contributed to a book, their name should be on the cover. No exceptions. Their work is just as integral as the writing, and in many cases, it’s what draws young readers in before they even turn the first page. Indie authors, take note: A children's book is a partnership between words and pictures. If you want readers to embrace your book, start by embracing the artist who helped bring it to life.