Crossword Genius

Book illustrations laid out on the table (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plates

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'book illustrations' is the definition.
'plates' can be an answer for 'illustrations' (plate is a kind of illustration). I am unsure of the 'book' bit.

'laid out on the table' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'on' could be 'at' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'at' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for plates that I've seen before include "Strange staple for crockery items" , "Staple for food containers" , "Shallow dishes" , "Flat dishes" , "dentures" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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