Max sat at the kitchen table eating cereal. Mom smiled and said, "Max, we have special news. You're going to be a big brother!" Max dropped his spoon. "A brother? When?" he asked. "Very soon," Dad said. Max felt his tummy flip. He wasn't sure if he was excited or worried. "Will he play with my toys?" Max asked. Mom laughed softly. "Maybe when he's older. Babies are very small at first." Max thought about this all day long.

The next week, Mom and Dad brought home baby Nelly. Max peeked into the blanket. Nelly had tiny hands and sleepy eyes. "He's so small," Max whispered. Nelly made a funny squeaking sound. Max giggled. "Can I hold him?" Max asked. Mom helped Max sit carefully on the couch. She placed Nelly in his arms. Max felt Nelly's warmth. "Hi, Nelly. I'm your big brother," Max said softly. Nelly yawned. Max smiled the biggest smile ever.

A few weeks passed. Max built a tower with his blocks. Nelly crawled over and knocked it down. "Hey! That was mine!" Max shouted. Nelly started crying. Dad picked up Nelly. "Max, he's just learning. He doesn't understand yet," Dad explained. Max crossed his arms. Later, Max saw Nelly reaching for a ball. Max rolled it gently to him. Nelly clapped his hands and laughed. Max felt warm inside. "Maybe sharing isn't so bad," Max thought.

One morning, Max woke up to Nelly crying. He went to Nelly's room. "It's okay, Nelly," Max said, patting his back. Nelly stopped crying and smiled at Max. Max's heart felt full. He ran to get Nelly's favorite rattle. Nelly grabbed it and shook it happily. "You're a great big brother," Mom said from the doorway. Max hugged Nelly gently. "Being a big brother is hard sometimes, but I love it," Max said. Nelly giggled and reached for Max's nose.