Valeria Flores, a science teacher at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School, connected with siblings of NICU babies as a way to celebrate her own NICU journey. Valeria was a NICU graduate herself and was inspired to “give back” after seeing social media posts for ICU baby’s World Prematurity Day Parade.

Valeria is the author and illustrator of the bilingual children’s book “How’d they get in there? / ¿Como se Metieron Ahí?” She hosted ICU baby’s first virtual story time on Instagram Live by reading her book to NICU siblings.

The book reminds us that no matter how far apart we are physically, we are “never ever that far.” The story is timely for all of us and especially for NICU families whose visits to their babies are limited due to COVID restrictions. Valeria’s 4th grade students made bookmarks for the siblings and she generously donated a portion of the proceeds from her book sales.

In case you missed it, you can still view the Virtual Storytime on ICU baby’s Instagram Live.