Reviews
Preemie Magazine
2006 Winter Issue
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.
Helen Harrison
Author of the Premature Baby Book
Under 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.
J. Clarke, Nurse Manager
White Oak Books Customer Review
I 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.
White Oak Books Customer Review
I purchased this book to give siblings when they visit in our NICU. The NICU nurses use it to teach the children about the unit and the newest member of their family. It is a wonderful resource to have.
White Oak Books Customer Review
My daughter, 5 yrs. old, loves this story. She was born at 32 weeks, and she loves reading about the NICU experience, and knowing and understanding how things happened after her birth. At least 2 years after we purchased this book, her sister was also born early at 31/32 weeks. Being one of her favorite stories for so long, she was also well prepaired for the early arrival of her sister. This is a must have storybook for once-upon-a-time preemies, as well as those with preemie siblings. I was so happy to discover it, as there are very few children's stories about prematurity.