if a novel is illustrated by the author, does that make it canon? what does illustrated/illustration mean

In general, whether a novel is illustrated by the author or not does not necessarily determine its canonical status. The term "illustrated" in the context of a novel refers to the inclusion of visual images alongside the text to enhance the reader's understanding or enjoyment of the story. These illustrations can be created by the author or by a separate artist.

The presence of illustrations in a novel does not automatically make it canon, as the term "canon" typically refers to the official or accepted version of a story within a particular fictional universe. However, illustrations can certainly add to the reader's experience and interpretation of the text.

Ultimately, it is up to the author, publishers, and readers to determine the importance of illustrations in relation to the overall canon of a novel.