Waiting for Max: A Baby Brother in the NICU

This heartwarming and imagination-filled picture book helps families navigate the NICU and all the feelings that come with it, from the perspective of one big sister who just wants to bring her new brother home.

Louise can’t wait to meet her new little brother, Max! But he was born earlier than expected and has to stay in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until he’s strong enough to come home. Waiting is hard. Really hard. So big sister Louise uses her BIG imagination to come up with her own creative plans to get Max home.

Inspired by first-time author Emily Rosen’s personal experience with her son in the NICU, this lovingly crafted book is filled with rich illustrations, relatable details, and some much-needed smiles. A comforting read for parents, siblings, big cousins, friends––or even former NICU patients curious about their first experiences––this book helps navigate a challenging and often overlooked subject with warmth, empathy, and wonder. And at its heart is the reminder that no matter how long it takes, some things truly are worth the wait.