Amy and Louie are best friends and are always playing and making a secret call that they know. When that sound is made from one of them, the other comes running to come play. The two kids were playing and then the next day Amy and her family moved across the world. Neither one had anyone to play with and do the things that they did when Amy lived close to Louie. Louie tries to call out the secret call to Amy, who is across the world. He sees different shapes in the clouds and the clouds make it all the way to Amy. Amy dreamed that Louie and how he called her. Louie was happy while he was sleeping. Amy and Louie were happy to play together but they were really upset when Amy had to move away. Books show that even though people are half way across the world, you can still be friends and keep in touch. ( )

This book tells the story of two neighbors and best friends named Amy and Louie. The two are heartbroken when Amy moves half way across the world. Louie stops playing and becomes very sad. He then shouts as loud as he can so that Amy might hear him. Amy wakes up the next morning claiming she had a dream where Louie shouted her name. Louie then sleeps happy knowing Amy heard him. The main character development aspect I was able to notice was the act of accepting reality and making the best out of it. Louie spent a good bit of time sad and gloomy when Amy left however he then learns that even though she if not physically there with him thats okay. This was a good book as far as a story line and illustrations go. However to me, I felt there was no clear message or lesson made that would be obvious to a child. ( )

It's about two friends that like to dress up in funny costumes and they came up with special word to call each other to play.

age 3-5
pierce county library

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. ( )

Such a cute book to read to students. Amy and Louie were best friends they lived right next door to each other. They would play outside together every single day. Until one day Amy moved far, far away, half way around the world. ( )