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Half A World Away
The U.S. debut of an incredible new illustrator introduces two everyday friends whose closeness endures no matter how far apart they are.
"If I call Amy really loudly, she'll hear me, won't she?" Louie asked his mom.
His mom shook her head. "Amy is half a world away."
Amy and Louie are the best of friends. They build towers as high as the sky, they look for magical creatures in clouds, and they always greet one another with their special call: "Coo-ee!"
But when Amy's family moves far across the ocean, the color drains out of their lives---until Louie finds a way to restore their special bond.
A perfect book for any friends separated by a move, this is the unforgettable story of a friendship lost and found.
"If I call Amy really loudly, she'll hear me, won't she?" Louie asked his mom.
His mom shook her head. "Amy is half a world away."
Amy and Louie are the best of friends. They build towers as high as the sky, they look for magical creatures in clouds, and they always greet one another with their special call: "Coo-ee!"
But when Amy's family moves far across the ocean, the color drains out of their lives---until Louie finds a way to restore their special bond.
A perfect book for any friends separated by a move, this is the unforgettable story of a friendship lost and found.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
1 person is currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Libby Gleeson
63 books38 followers"I was born in Young, a small town in south western NSW in 1950. After a few years we moved to Glen Innes, on the northern tablelands and then when I was ten we moved out west to Dubbo. We moved because my father was a schoolteacher and each change meant a promotion for him.
There were six children in the family. I was number three and there wasn't a lot of money. We didn't have television and of course there was no such thing as a computer.
Books and reading were hugely important. I remember going to the library on a Saturday morning and borrowing five or six books and reading them all by Sunday night.
When I finished High School I studied at the University of Sydney. I had a great time studying mainly history but also getting involved in lots of things happening at the University and the city. It was the time of the anti-Vietnam war protests and the rise of the Women's Movement.
I taught for two years in a small town, Picton, which is just outside of Sydney. I really enjoyed that time but I wanted to travel and in 1976 I headed off for five years. I based myself first in Italy where I taught English and then in London where I started writing my first novel, Eleanor, Elizabeth. I attended a creative writing group where the other students pushed me to write a better book. In London I also met my husband. We came back to Sydney in 1980. We've got three daughters.
When we first came back I taught at the University of NSW but now I write full-time. I've written thirty books and I've also taught occasional courses in creative writing and I've visited lots of schools to talk about my work.
I write picture books, novels for young kids and also novels for slightly older readers. I've done a book about writing and also a small amount of writing for television: Bananas in Pyjamas and Magic Mountain.
The writer's life is pretty good. It's a job where you work for yourself, in your daggy track suit, at times that suit you. What more could you ask for?"
from: http://www.libbygleeson.com.au/biogra...
There were six children in the family. I was number three and there wasn't a lot of money. We didn't have television and of course there was no such thing as a computer.
Books and reading were hugely important. I remember going to the library on a Saturday morning and borrowing five or six books and reading them all by Sunday night.
When I finished High School I studied at the University of Sydney. I had a great time studying mainly history but also getting involved in lots of things happening at the University and the city. It was the time of the anti-Vietnam war protests and the rise of the Women's Movement.
I taught for two years in a small town, Picton, which is just outside of Sydney. I really enjoyed that time but I wanted to travel and in 1976 I headed off for five years. I based myself first in Italy where I taught English and then in London where I started writing my first novel, Eleanor, Elizabeth. I attended a creative writing group where the other students pushed me to write a better book. In London I also met my husband. We came back to Sydney in 1980. We've got three daughters.
When we first came back I taught at the University of NSW but now I write full-time. I've written thirty books and I've also taught occasional courses in creative writing and I've visited lots of schools to talk about my work.
I write picture books, novels for young kids and also novels for slightly older readers. I've done a book about writing and also a small amount of writing for television: Bananas in Pyjamas and Magic Mountain.
The writer's life is pretty good. It's a job where you work for yourself, in your daggy track suit, at times that suit you. What more could you ask for?"
from: http://www.libbygleeson.com.au/biogra...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 9, 2019
Originally published in Australia as Amy & Louis, this adorable and endearing picture-book tells the story of two young friends who are inseparable, until one of them moves "half a world away." Whether building towers that reach the sky, or discovering the hidden shapes in the clouds above, the two best friends (and next-door neighbors) spend their days together, summoning each other with a special call - "Coo-ee Am-ee" / "Coo-ee Lou-ee" - whenever they want to play. But when Amy and her family move far away, their call no longer works. Or does it...?
I originally added Half a World Away to my TBR shelf because I am interested in the work of illustrator Freya Blackwood, whose artwork can also be found in the gorgeous The Selkie and the Fisherman , and I wanted to see more of her work. I was not disappointed, in that respect - the paintings here are delightful, with the same deft use of light and color, and sweetly expressive characters, as in the selkie book - but I also discovered a talented author, in Libby Gleeson, who was previously unknown to me. I can't say I found the resolution surprising, but it was sweet and satisfying, for all that. Recommended to young children who have had to move, or who have mourned a friend having to move, as well as to Freya Blackwood fans.
I originally added Half a World Away to my TBR shelf because I am interested in the work of illustrator Freya Blackwood, whose artwork can also be found in the gorgeous The Selkie and the Fisherman , and I wanted to see more of her work. I was not disappointed, in that respect - the paintings here are delightful, with the same deft use of light and color, and sweetly expressive characters, as in the selkie book - but I also discovered a talented author, in Libby Gleeson, who was previously unknown to me. I can't say I found the resolution surprising, but it was sweet and satisfying, for all that. Recommended to young children who have had to move, or who have mourned a friend having to move, as well as to Freya Blackwood fans.
June 8, 2012
Ah, this is a lovely story with lovely illustrations. Both story and pictures are so evocative of children’s play and children’s friendships, and also of feelings of loss, connection, and creative ways of coping too. It’s a perfect read aloud book. Highly recommended, particularly to children who are about to move or have moved and miss their friends or for children who’ve had or are about to have a friend move.
I did check the publication date (2006) not only because this book has a sort of vintage feel to it, but because, unlike years ago, I’d think that today kids (at least those who are old enough to read and write) are finding it easier to keep in touch with friends and other loved ones who are far away. I guessed how these kids would find a way to keep in touch, but that correct prediction didn’t detract from the charm of this story.
On three occasions between kindergarten and sixth grade I had to temporarily attend out of state schools, and I did have friends who moved away too, so I was definitely able to empathize with Amy and Louie.
4 ½ stars
Oh, and I forgot to add that I LOVE the pictures of the cats!
I did check the publication date (2006) not only because this book has a sort of vintage feel to it, but because, unlike years ago, I’d think that today kids (at least those who are old enough to read and write) are finding it easier to keep in touch with friends and other loved ones who are far away. I guessed how these kids would find a way to keep in touch, but that correct prediction didn’t detract from the charm of this story.
On three occasions between kindergarten and sixth grade I had to temporarily attend out of state schools, and I did have friends who moved away too, so I was definitely able to empathize with Amy and Louie.
4 ½ stars
Oh, and I forgot to add that I LOVE the pictures of the cats!
August 1, 2016
Liked it but wanted more of a resolution. As it is, it's pretty sad!
I think I liked
a little better.
I think I liked
a little better.
March 10, 2019
Story: 3 stars
Illustrations: 5 stars
Two best friends are separated when one moves halfway across the world. Unfortunately, I don't think the target audience will find the ending satisfying. The illustrations in this picture book are truly special.
Illustrations: 5 stars
Two best friends are separated when one moves halfway across the world. Unfortunately, I don't think the target audience will find the ending satisfying. The illustrations in this picture book are truly special.
October 8, 2013
Grades K-3
Half A World Away, by Libby Gleeson and illustrated by Freya Blackwood, is a story about an unbreakable bond between two friends. Amy and Louie were always together but when they weren't, and sometimes only as far as the other side of the room, they had a special call they would do to bring the other one near. One day Amy moves "half a world away" and Louie is lost without his friend. His heart is heavy and he is lonely. What he doesn't know is that Amy is feeling the same way on the other side of the world. Louie comes up with a plan, and with the encouragement of a few simply words from grandma, he gives it a try. The miles between Amy and Louie may have changed how often they get to play but never the feeling in their hearts.
The illustrations are unique to many children's books. There are many picture books that use bright colors to illustrate characters or a scene. Freya Blackwood went a different route and the subdued colors went along with the story being told. The illustrations, most in sepia tone with splashes of reds and oranges, sets the tone of the book and the sadness that comes when someone moves away. The illustrations are realistic and beautiful and all in all, add a lot to the story.
Half A World Away is a very sweet book that would be a fabulous addition to any classroom.
Half A World Away, by Libby Gleeson and illustrated by Freya Blackwood, is a story about an unbreakable bond between two friends. Amy and Louie were always together but when they weren't, and sometimes only as far as the other side of the room, they had a special call they would do to bring the other one near. One day Amy moves "half a world away" and Louie is lost without his friend. His heart is heavy and he is lonely. What he doesn't know is that Amy is feeling the same way on the other side of the world. Louie comes up with a plan, and with the encouragement of a few simply words from grandma, he gives it a try. The miles between Amy and Louie may have changed how often they get to play but never the feeling in their hearts.
The illustrations are unique to many children's books. There are many picture books that use bright colors to illustrate characters or a scene. Freya Blackwood went a different route and the subdued colors went along with the story being told. The illustrations, most in sepia tone with splashes of reds and oranges, sets the tone of the book and the sadness that comes when someone moves away. The illustrations are realistic and beautiful and all in all, add a lot to the story.
Half A World Away is a very sweet book that would be a fabulous addition to any classroom.
May 28, 2009
A lovely book about a friendship challenged by distance.
Freya Blackwood does a fantastic job of the illustrations, using colour to highlight the emotions of the kids.
While is was lovely it didn't have the 'goose-bumping' effect the back-cover-blurb promised.
Surely a better way to rebuild their special bond wouldn't be to coo-ee to each other's dreams - but to pick up the phone, or email, or message them on Facebook, or follow each other's every move on Twitter...
Freya Blackwood does a fantastic job of the illustrations, using colour to highlight the emotions of the kids.
While is was lovely it didn't have the 'goose-bumping' effect the back-cover-blurb promised.
Surely a better way to rebuild their special bond wouldn't be to coo-ee to each other's dreams - but to pick up the phone, or email, or message them on Facebook, or follow each other's every move on Twitter...
August 1, 2016
At the library today, we picked out a couple of books about moving just by chance, but I'm glad that we are starting to discuss this topic since we'll be moving ourselves in less than a year.
This is a good story about close friends who are separated by half the world - far too common for military families. The two friends still find a way to stay close, which is a glimmer of hope to young children in the same situation.
Gorgeous illustrations really capture the emotion of the tale. It's a great book to read aloud and we really enjoyed reading it together.
This is a good story about close friends who are separated by half the world - far too common for military families. The two friends still find a way to stay close, which is a glimmer of hope to young children in the same situation.
Gorgeous illustrations really capture the emotion of the tale. It's a great book to read aloud and we really enjoyed reading it together.
January 12, 2010
Amy and Louie have a special call (Coo-ee!)but when Amy moves "half a world away' (probably the U.S.) that no longer seems effective. This is a gentle story about friendship and loss, beautifully illustrated by Freya Blackwood.
April 26, 2010
A beautiful book, a story of childhood friendship, my son loves this book and has me read it over and over again. We also have family far away, which helps to put the book into perspective. Beautifully illustrated.
September 7, 2021
There's nothing really new or original in this book, but it's so... gloriously heartwarming. It was almost as if this was my first time reading a my-best-friend-moved-away story (I said "almost" because one of my books is, among other things, about that).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIS4S...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIS4S...
September 10, 2021
Loved the illustrations. Sweet story.
January 8, 2013
I absolutely LOVED this book. Amy and Louise are best friends who create magical worlds together and keep in contact with a special call – ‘Coo-ee, Lou-ee’, ‘Coo-ee Am-ee’. Then Amy and her family move away, to the other side of the world, and the colour seeps out of Louis and Amy’s lives. Until, that is, Louise finds a way to use the special call to call Amy.
Amy and Louis is told beautifully in two ways. There’s the rhythmical, repeating language which shows the reader the special friendship between the pair in a minimum of words. Then there’s the illustrations, which focus on red, blue and neutrals to create the magical world which the pair have created in their friendship. I particularly love how the illustrations show the difference between the suburban world in Australia and the frantic, busy world Amy moves to (which I assume is New York)
This is a great book to read if you’re talking about moving, as well as talking about friendships. You can take some time to look for magical creatures in clouds, like Amy and Louis did, or use cotton wool to create your own cloud creatures. You can use maps to look at some of the wonderful places in the world where people live or, if you’re feeling arty, create neutral art works with just a little bit of colour.
This review originally appeared at Adventures of a Subversive Reader
Amy and Louis is told beautifully in two ways. There’s the rhythmical, repeating language which shows the reader the special friendship between the pair in a minimum of words. Then there’s the illustrations, which focus on red, blue and neutrals to create the magical world which the pair have created in their friendship. I particularly love how the illustrations show the difference between the suburban world in Australia and the frantic, busy world Amy moves to (which I assume is New York)
This is a great book to read if you’re talking about moving, as well as talking about friendships. You can take some time to look for magical creatures in clouds, like Amy and Louis did, or use cotton wool to create your own cloud creatures. You can use maps to look at some of the wonderful places in the world where people live or, if you’re feeling arty, create neutral art works with just a little bit of colour.
This review originally appeared at Adventures of a Subversive Reader
January 20, 2009
Amy and Louie are not only neighbors, they are the best of friends. Sometimes Louie climbs through the hole in the fence to visit Amy, and sometimes Amy climbs through the hole in the fence to visit Louie, but no matter where they are, they always have a lot of fun. Together they build “towers as high as the sky” and dig “holes deep enough to bury bears.” They dress up in costumes made from capes, rain boots, and the less ordinary, flippers, colanders and Kleenex boxes. They even have a secret language with which they communicate. When Amy and her family move far away, Louie wants to call to Amy in their secret language, but he doesn’t know if she’ll be able to hear. You’ll have to read this story, and take the time to delight in its classic illustrations, to discover how it ends. As someone who moved a lot as a kid, this book touches my heart with every reading.
June 19, 2008
I chose to read this book for one of the picture books published in 2006. It is a very sweet story about two best friends who live half a world away from each other after one of them has had to move. They have a special call they would use together and even though they are far apart, they can see each other in their dreams at night.
I really like this story. It had great illustrations that were fun and creative. I really liked that the pictures changed from color to black and white when Amy's family moved away because it added to the emotions that the author way trying to portray. They then changed back to color when the friends realized they could see each other in their dreams. Very cute story!! I really think kids would like it!
I really like this story. It had great illustrations that were fun and creative. I really liked that the pictures changed from color to black and white when Amy's family moved away because it added to the emotions that the author way trying to portray. They then changed back to color when the friends realized they could see each other in their dreams. Very cute story!! I really think kids would like it!
August 21, 2014
...Two everyday friends whose closeness endures no matter how far apart they are. "If I call Amy really loudly, she'll hear me, won't she?" Louie asked his mom. His mom shook her head. "Amy is half a world away." Amy and Louie are the best of friends. They build towers as high as the sky, they look for magical creatures in clouds, and they always greet one another with their special call: "Coo-ee!" But when Amy's family moves far across the ocean, the color drains out of their lives---until Louie finds a way to restore their special bond. A perfect book for any friends separated by a move, this is the unforgettable story of a friendship lost and found.
Subjects
Best friends -- Juvenile fiction
Friendship -- Juvenile fiction
Moving, Household -- Juvenile fiction
Subjects
Best friends -- Juvenile fiction
Friendship -- Juvenile fiction
Moving, Household -- Juvenile fiction
December 9, 2011
I do love the look and feel of Freya Blackwood's illustrations. Cute style. She captures the simplicity of suburban living, possibly a bit more the suburban living of my childhood, rather than now. I've always liked finding the shapes in clouds. The story is simple too. Amy and Louis are neighbours, who play with each other daily, until Amy moves away, to a nameless city on the other side of the world, that looks rather like New York. Amy and Louis miss each other, and seem to be too young to have facebook profiles to keep in touch, so they have to figure out another way to remember their friendship.
April 17, 2011
This is a very sweet book about two best friends named Louie and Amy. They did everything together. One-day Amy’s family moves half way around the world and both the kids become so sad. But one day Louie missed Amy so much that he cried out for her as loud as he could. By the next day Amy woke up with a dream that Louie called for her and while she is getting her day started Louie is at home sleep, smiling, thinking that Amy heard him. This would be a wonderful story to tell because it shows friendship that is so strong distance could not separate them.
October 8, 2007
Summary:
Amy and Louie are best friends and do everything together. Amy moves across the world and they miss each other. Louie calls Amy with their special call, and Amy has a dream about it.
Reflection:
Illustrations are perfect and set the mood for the book. Great story line. This will be a perfect book for children to relate to.
Themes:
moving, penpals, friends
Amy and Louie are best friends and do everything together. Amy moves across the world and they miss each other. Louie calls Amy with their special call, and Amy has a dream about it.
Reflection:
Illustrations are perfect and set the mood for the book. Great story line. This will be a perfect book for children to relate to.
Themes:
moving, penpals, friends
May 4, 2013
BFF...is truly what this book is about. Best Friends Forever! What happens when your very best friend in the world moves half way around the world. Will yelling their name really loud work? When you are asleep, it is morning there...what can you do....well you have to read it...nice sweet twist at the end!
February 17, 2012
I was so charmed by Freya Blackwood's illustrations in "Maudie and Bear" I was eager to see other things she has done. I liked this story much better and the art on some pages is just breathtaking. I'm a fan!
November 14, 2007
Very cute, great pictures.
November 11, 2008
So sweet. I liked that it had a little girl and a little boy being close friends. I probably liked that because I had a similar experience as a child. The pictures were beautiful.
February 9, 2012
its a good book about friendship for little kids.
June 16, 2012
Best friends torn apart find a way of coping and remembering one another. Sweet one but my son really didn't "get" it...
January 12, 2013
This is my kids rating
January 15, 2013
Sweet story about young friends who are separated by a continent, but keep a connection. Nice illustrations.
February 8, 2013
Level 2
February 27, 2016
'Coo-ee, Lou-ee. An utterly charming and disarming exploration of childhood friendship, the simplicity of play, and a bond that can cross borders. Beautiful illustrations too.
March 12, 2014
A really sweet story about friendship from a young age - with beautiful illustrations from Freya Blackwood
June 30, 2014
This is a dear, dear book about friendship and living apart and wanting to call across the world to someone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews