A Story for Kids About Homesickness

Andy is going off to summer camp for the first time. Shortly after arriving at camp, he begins to struggle with homesickness. With the advice of his camp counselor, Andy learns the coping skills to help him overcome feelings of homesickness. As Counselor Mike tells Andy, "homesickness is a normal thing to happen to kids" and "homesickness doesn't last long." Bug Bites and Campfires explains homesickness to kids in a vibrantly illustrated story that also includes a foreword for parents and camp web resources. This book offers comfort and will assist the child reader in gaining a sense of confidence, security, and mastery over separating from their parents or when they are away from home.

"Andy is excited about going to summer camp for several weeks. In the beginning, he makes friends and has fun, but then he starts to miss his family, his dogs, and even his dad's grilled hamburgers. He withdraws and feels sad. His counselor is quick to assure him that his feelings are normal and usually don't last long, and he suggests focusing on good thoughts and keeping busy. With additional help from his counselor, Andy is able to overcome his homesickness and enjoy the rest of the session. Most books dealing with this topic are written for children entering school for the first time or going on a first overnight. Sileo's story is for older children, and the colorful cartoon illustrations have a quirkiness that makes them appropriate for that audience. A useful book for parents and camp staff."

Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information. School Library Journal, 3.1.2010

Dr. Frank Sileo’s book for children, Bug Bites and Campfires, helps kids understand that they can get to the other side of their fear by knowing that others have come before them in their battle to cope with anxieties about leaving home. … Bug Bites and Campfires is an easy self-read for kids who don’t know what to expect of camp and how to take care of themselves when the going gets rough. … This is a must have gift for new campers and children with separation issues.

Neal Litinger, PhD
Licensed Psychologist

This is a thoughtful and original story about a young boy’s first experience with overnight summer camp. Andy finds that feelings of homesickness are overshadowing his excitement of camp and meeting new friends. His camp counselor teaches him skills to help with the homesickness. I highly recommend this book for any child who is going away for an overnight stay when the natural feelings of homesickness occur. Beautiful bright illustrations enhance this fresh look on an old problem. It is also a valuable tool for any teacher, librarian or parent as a read aloud for their very young children who may be feeling the same way when school begins. Bug Bites and Campfires is a refreshingly helpful and positive tale that children will easily be able to connect with and everyone can enjoy!

Susan Rosprim
Library Media Specialist

I read this book to my six-year-old child who experiences homesickness when visiting friends and extended family. I appreciate that the story draws on the child's own strengths and abilities to cope with separation…. The examples in this book are inclusive and supportive. After reading this book to my child, she had a better understanding of her own fear. She began to create her own examples of coping with her separation anxiety. As a parent it's difficult to approach this type of situation. Dr. Sileo's book is a valuable tool for parents and children who experience homesickness.

Melissa Wolford
Mother and Writer

Bug Bites and Campfires captures a delightful balance of fun reading and knowing what to do when a camper gets homesick. These ideas work. I highly recommend Bug Bites and Campfires for all children attending a sleep away camp for the first time. I also recommend this book as a training for camp counselors.

Sally Chapman MA, LPCC
Camp Director, Hummingbird Music Camp

The book signing for “Bug Bites and Campfires: A Story for Kids About Homesickness” was a packed event. At the beginning of the evening, Frank spoke to his Barnes and Noble audience regarding his aim for the book, which we found quite touching and motivating. This is his third book geared towards children’s health and well-being. It’s been quite a long time since this fashionista went to camp, but I remember leaving home and how slightly frightened & uneasy I felt. I wish I would have had a book like this at home – that my parents could have shared with me. I read the book this evening before bed and was so impressed. It talks about the emotional struggles a boy has when being away from his family at camp. The camp counselor teaches the lesson that it’s OK to be afraid and that you can overcome these fears. The lessons of strength, camaraderie, love and sadness are all touched on in this book. There are lessons for adults in this book, too! It’s a great tool not just for kids who are going to camp, but for any child who is spending time away from his loved ones. Every camp and school should have this book in their library!

We enjoyed the book and my father adored the colorful illustrations. My dad joined me this evening, which seemed to make the family atmosphere complete, since Frank’s own charming mother and father were there, too. My father and I then had a delicious dinner afterwords at Sanzari’s, owned by Joseph Sanzari who serves on the Board of Directors of the Audrey Hepburn Center at Hackensack Hospital. We later started laughing over cappuccino, because my father quickly reminded me about how I have my childhood doll house and all of my dolls saved for my own child someday in the future. If you know me, you know I am a true kid at heart! I am now adding Frank Sileo’s wonderful book to that collection.

Dana Prigge, The Daily Fashionista, http://dailyfashionista.com/?p=2080, February 4th, 2010