Special Brother : A Siblings Story

Since his baby brother came home, Ryan hasn’t felt very special at all.

Little Ryan is finally going to be a big brother! Today is the day his baby brother David is coming home from the hospital. Ryan is looking forward to playing trucks, building forts, and looking after David.

But life with David isn’t much fun. David has so many needs – special feedings, loud machines, and tubes everywhere. Mommy and Daddy have to spend so much time with David that they don’t have time to play with Ryan.

One night, Ryan asks Mommy why David has to be so different. Mommy helps him understand that, while she may not be able to answer that question, she can answer a much more important one.

Karen Waters’ second son was born four months premature, leading to significant medical and developmental issues. She wrote The Special Brother to help young children in similar situations understand their new world. With warmth and gentle honesty, she helps them see that, even with challenges, families are always families