The 25 Greatest Picture Books of the Past 25 Years

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The New York Times article in 2010 highlighted a decline in picture book sales, with buyers favoring classics over new titles.
A 2011 manifesto by 21 creators called for fresh, honest, and innovative picture books, condemning repetitive and bland content.
Picture books have evolved significantly over the past 25 years, featuring more diverse characters and innovative storytelling techniques.
The industry has embraced diversity, influenced by movements like We Need Diverse Books, offering 'mirrors' and 'windows' for young readers.
Nonfiction picture books have grown in popularity, especially for educational purposes, tackling complex topics like history and science.
Celebrities have entered the picture book market, often with mixed results, though some have produced notable works.
The list includes standout titles like 'Olivia' by Ian Falconer, 'The Man Who Walked Between the Towers' by Mordicai Gerstein, and 'Last Stop on Market Street' by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson.
Innovative books like 'Press Here' by Hervé Tullet and 'Du Iz Tak?' by Carson Ellis break traditional formats, encouraging reader interaction and creativity.
Recent years have seen picture books addressing challenging subjects, such as 'Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre' by Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper.
The guide aims to highlight transformative works that respect young readers' intelligence and diverse experiences.

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