I remember, during 2020 and lockdowns, watching my friend Laura's baby - born at 22 weeks, go through a long, long time in the NICU. This children's book is more fun that that! It explains, in a way that a child can understand, why a baby (in this case Max) is in the NICU. It's not scary, this book is told in a really comforting, but not condescending way. It really captures that impatience of waiting, waiting, waiting. The illustrations are beautiful and the whole effect is wholesome and fun. Definitely a book I would give to the older sibling of a baby in the NICU, or just a fun read for any young child expecting a sibling.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the free E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a heartwarming story! It showcases how amazing a child’s imagination can be you. You can definitely tell this was written by someone who’s been this experience. Such a great read!

What a heartwarming story! Max is definitely a loved little boy to have a big sister that draws him pictures while he is in the NICU. I am an elementary school librarian, and I am so enjoying seeing books like this one that I can order for my students. I’m going to refer this to friends who are in the NICU as well. Love this!

Waiting for Max is a truly lovely tribute to the many families and babies who begin their first days in the NICU. With brightly illustrative pages and narrative that weaves together a wonderful story, Waiting for Max explains how one young girl celebrates the new arrival of her younger brother and helps devise a special plan to ensure that he arrives home quickly and safely. Children and families will love reading this delightful book and talking about the many wonderful ways that babies can arrive into the world.

"Waiting for Max: A NICU Story" is clearly a story that comes from direct experience. When a baby is born prematurely, they may have to spend time in a special department in the hospital called the NICU, until they are strong enough to come home. This story explores what it's like for a big sister, waiting for her new little brother to come home. This book can help explain the NICU to a young child, and help them process their feelings, and the sense of waiting endlessly for a new sibling to come home from the hospital when they aren't allowed to visit themselves.

The illustrations, the story, the pacing-- they were all clear. The story was heartwarming, and I could absolutely envision reading this to a child.

Cute picture book about a NICU baby and a big sister who can't wait for her little brother to come home. MIght be a little difficult for small children to understand but for kids who are a little older can be a cute way to explain

When Louise finds out that her baby brother Max has to stay in the NICU, she's determined to get him out sooner. With each new day that passes, Louise gets more and more impatient and illustrates new and inventive ways for Max to get out -- swinging from his tube, blasting off in his spaceship, and (my personal favorite) becoming SUPER MILK BABY. Will she *ever* get to meet her baby brother?!

With super cute illustrations and laugh out loud energy, this is an adorable, heartfelt book that's perfect for those eager older siblings.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful children’s book on a topic I don’t believe I’ve seen covered before. Our middle child had birth complications and was in the NICU for 4 days. Whilst our eldest child was a bit too small to understand, this is still a lovely book and I feel would be a helpful aide for many older siblings going through the same thing. Beautifully illustrated.