Henry Gets Homesick

A funny, heartfelt picture book about homesickness, summer camp, making new friends, and discovering that you can miss home and still have the best time ever

Henry is excited for his very first week at sleepaway camp. New friends, capture the flag, awesome crafts--it's going to be the best week ever. And at first, it absolutely is. He's having so much fun he even forgets to write his family a letter the first night. But as the big end-of-camp talent show gets closer, something shifts. What if he messes up? What if his performance isn't right? If only he could talk to Dad and Daddy. If only he could laugh with his little sister. Suddenly, all Henry can think about is how much he misses home.

But here's the thing about homesickness: it doesn't mean summer camp is going wrong. And Henry isn't the only one who feels homesick. His friends feel it too. Even their counselor has! Together, they find ways for Henry to feel close to his family while still being present for all the fun happening right in front of him. Henry Gets Homesick is the perfect book for any child getting ready for summer camp, a first sleepover, or any big adventure away from home. This reassuring children's book about homesickness and big feelings honors how real missing home can feel while gently showing kids that they can miss their family, make new friends, and have an amazing time--all at once.

Key features:

• normalizes homesickness for kids shows children that missing home is a completely normal part of new experiences and that even older kids feel it too
• builds courage and independence helps children see that being brave doesn't mean never feeling homesick, it means finding ways to keep going even when you miss the people you love
• celebrates friendship and support Henry's camp friends rally around him, showing kids that talking about hard feelings and leaning on others makes everything more manageable
• LGBTQ+ family representation Henry's two dads are a natural, joyful part of his story, giving children with same-sex parents a character whose family looks like theirs
• perfect prep for camp, sleepovers, and time away from home an ideal read-aloud before sleepaway camp, day camp, overnight trips, school retreats, or a first night at a friend's house
• trusted publisher from Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association, dedicated to emotional well-being and healthy development

Author: Seamus Kirst
Publisher: Magination Press (R) -- American Psychologica
Published: 10/06/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 10.20h x 8.10w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781433849435
Audience: Ages 9-12

About the Author
Kirst, Seamus: - Seamus Kirst is a writer whose work has been published in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Guardian, Teen Vogue, Forbes, The Advocate, and Vice. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.Collingridge, Catharine: - Catharine Collingridge studied illustration at Falmouth College of Art and throughout her career has illustrated packaging and promotional products, greeting cards, and children's books.