Slate Daily Feed Care & Feeding | The 25 Best Picture Books of the Last 25 Years
Sep 22, 2025
Join Rebecca Onion, a Senior Editor at Slate and co-author of a must-read piece on children's literature, as she explores the 25 best picture books of the last 25 years. Dive into lively debates about which modern tales have truly stood the test of time and deserve a spot alongside the classics. From sharing parenting anecdotes, like navigating quirky child fears, to discussing the emotional depth of standout stories like 'Olivia,' this conversation is a treasure trove for parents and book lovers alike!
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Child's Daytime Fear And Parental Crossroads
- Rebecca's daughter developed a daytime fear of being in the bedroom wing and won't go there alone.
- Rebecca has alternated between refusing to accommodate and now sometimes accompanying her, creating a parenting crossroads.
Wean Fears With Gradual Distancing
- Try gradual distancing: stay nearby while the child does the task, then slowly move farther away.
- Use incremental steps to wean the child from needing a parent physically present.
Midnight Snack Smuggler Caught In Bonnet
- Lucy discovered her 12-year-old Avery smuggling fruit snacks inside a hair bonnet at night.
- Avery confessed and demonstrated her routine, revealing months of clever concealment.
