Waiting for Max
A NICU Story
by Emily Rosen
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Pub Date Oct 21 2025 | Archive Date Sep 07 2025
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Description
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.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781685552800 |
| PRICE | $18.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 32 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
theresa h, Educator
Waiting for Max
Emily Rosen
A family connection book, showing young children to not be afraid NICU and young babies. It explains how a sibling can support their parents and new sibling throughout the long wait for the baby to come home.
Lourdes C, Librarian
Being an older sibling myself who experienced a sibling being held in the NICU, this book was wonderful and sort of nostalgic. I remember having to wait patiently to meet my sibling for the first time as well as how my parents explained the NICU to me.
With the help of this book, children can have an understanding on what the NICU is and how important it is for babies who are born prematurely, with health problems, or after a difficult birth. The NICU can be a scary place full of unknowns. This book helps explain, in terms a child can understand, what each item is doing to help baby Max grow strong to be able to go home. It also illustrates the hope a child has when someone is in the NICU and all they want is for them to come home. Louise demonstrates her hope through drawing for baby Max illustrating him coming home to meet her. Overall, this is a great book for all members of a family who have a child in the NICU.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Heather L, Reviewer
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!
Victoria R, Librarian
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.
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