No Bigger than My Teddy Bear
Having a baby in the NICU can be a very stressful time for any parent, but what is often overlooked is just how stressful it can be to a sibling. Valerie Pankow's book, No Bigger Than My Teddy Bear can be just the tool to help an older brother or sister through such a trying time. With simple, straight forward language, Pankow describes the NICU experience as seen through the eyes of a new big brother. From his sibling's premature birth through to the homecoming, the overwhelming sights and sounds of the NICU are translated into terms that any child can understand. Coming full circle, this book could also be useful in explaining to an older preemie what life was like in his/her earliest days. Altogether, No Bigger Than My Teddy Bear can be a gentle comfort for parents, siblings and even preemies themselves. It is a fine addition to any preemie parent's library. --Preemie Magazine 2006 Winter IssueUnder the best of circumstances, siblings need reassurance, information, and support to cope with the arrival of a new baby in the family. These needs intensify greatly if the baby is born prematurely. Valerie Pankow's well written and illustrated account of her son's reactions to his premature brother offers a child's eye view of the intensive care nursery--one which will help inform and support other children with a teddy bear-sized new baby. --Helen Harrison Author of the Premature Baby BookI got this for our granddaughter who is almost 3yrs of age and will become a big sister this summer. She was a preemie herself and spent a month in the NICU. She likes learning about her early days and has really enjoyed this book. I also think it will be really helpful for her to have read it so many times if this new baby happens to arrive early also. --J. Clarke, Nurse Manager White Oak Books Customer Review