New Children’s Picture Book Illuminates the NICU Experience Through the Eyes of a Big Sister

A heartfelt story inspired by a mother’s real-life journey of love, patience, and hope.

One in ten babies in the U.S. will spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)—yet few children’s books explore this experience, especially from a sibling’s point of view. Waiting for Max: A NICU Story (The Collective Book Studio / October 21, 2025), written by debut author Emily Rosen and illustrated by Esther Diana, fills that gap with tenderness and imagination.

Readers meet Louise, a spirited big sister eagerly awaiting her baby brother, Max. When Max is born early and must stay in the NICU, Louise uses her vivid imagination to make sense of the wait—and to dream up ways to help bring him home.

Inspired by Emily Rosen’s own experience with her son’s 16-day stay in the NICU, Waiting for Max is a deeply personal, yet widely relatable book for siblings, parents, and caregivers. It helps children understand and process what happens when a new baby needs extra care before joining the family at home.

“Every day during Max’s NICU stay, we brought a picture book to read to him,” Emily says. “It was one of the only ‘normal’ things we could do as new parents. But I struggled to find stories that reflected what we were going through. So, I decided to write one.”

With warmth and honesty, Waiting for Max offers comfort and connection to siblings, parents, and caregivers navigating uncertainty. Through Diana’s bright, cozy illustrations, young readers see that love and imagination can bridge even the hardest waits.

Emily will donate a portion of the book’s proceeds, along with copies of Waiting for Max, to NICU hospitals and nonprofit organizations across the country—offering comfort, connection, and a reminder to families that they are not alone.

“Waiting for Max removes the fear and uncertainty of the unknown and gives young children solid ground in understanding the newest member of their family.”

James Fritzell Jr., MD, Medical Director NICU and Chairman of Pediatrics at Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA

Waiting for Max: A NICU Story by Emily Rosen

October 21, 2025

Hardcover/$18.95 USD/$25.95 CAN

ISBN: 9781685552800/Age Range: 4-8

About the Author

Emily Rosen is a mom, a freelance creative director and copywriter, and a first time children’s book author. She has built her career working for top advertising agencies and brands and strives to use her creativity for good––especially to empower women, mothers, and kids. Inspired by her son Max’s time in the NICU, she wrote her first children’s book to help families like hers. When Emily’s not writing, she loves going for a run around the neighborhood, singing karaoke with friends, and reading to her two kids. Proudly born and raised in Cleveland, OH, she now lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her husband and their family. Learn more about Emily and her work at emilyrosencreative.com and follow her on Instagram @emilyrosencreative.

About the Illustrator

Esther Diana is a freelance children’s illustrator based in Madrid, Spain, originally from Seville, where she studied Fine Arts at the University of Seville. After completing studies in the UK and Italy, she began her career as a concept artist in the game industry. Esther has since illustrated books and children’s products, working primarily in digital formats while enjoying sketching and blending digital and traditional techniques. A lover of art, books, and libraries, she finds inspiration in nature and countryside walks. In her free time, she enjoys the company of her family and her lovely ginger cat.

The Collective Book Studio is a woman-owned, full-service publishing studio that works with authors, brands, and companies to create, develop, and publish high-quality books. With a focus on innovative content and striking design, The Collective Book Studio offers a unique approach to the publishing process, providing clients with expertise and collaborative support from concept to creation.

The Collective Book Studio is an independent press based in Oakland, CA.. Their books are distributed by Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages. For more information, visit www.simonandschuster.com