Care and Feeding | Slate's parenting show The 25 Best Picture Books of the Last 25 Years
Sep 22, 2025
Rebecca Onion, a senior editor at Slate and co-author of a piece on the top 25 picture books, joins the hosts to explore what makes certain modern stories timeless. They delve into standout titles like 'Olivia' and 'The Book with No Pictures,' examining their enduring appeal. The conversation mixes joy and debate as the group reminisces about their own parenting moments, sharing triumphs and irrational fears. Tune in for a delightful journey through the world of children's literature!
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Daytime Night-Fear Disrupts Routines
- Rebecca describes her eight-year-old's daytime fear of being alone near the bedrooms and how it disrupts daily life.
- She admits she has started accompanying her child to showers despite her husband's push to force independence.
Wean With Gradual Separation
- Elizabeth suggests gradual separation: accompany then slowly move farther away during the activity to build tolerance.
- Rebecca says they are trying that approach to wean her from needing accompaniment.
Unknown Media Exposure Amplifies Fear
- Rebecca links daytime fears to exposure to scary online content at school like Five Nights at Freddy's.
- She recognizes not knowing the exact exposure can make the fear worse for her child.