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Horse Diaries #1
Elska
Iceland, circa AD 1000
Elska is a silver dapple Icelandic filly. She spends summers frisking about the countryside and winters in the farmyard, where the girl human Amma takes special care of her. But when a powerful neighbor notices Elska, her contented life suddenly changes. Here is Elska’s story . . . in her own words.
Elska is a silver dapple Icelandic filly. She spends summers frisking about the countryside and winters in the farmyard, where the girl human Amma takes special care of her. But when a powerful neighbor notices Elska, her contented life suddenly changes. Here is Elska’s story . . . in her own words.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
108 people are currently reading
1091 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Hapka
433 books203 followersCatherine (Cathy) Hapka has written more than one hundred books for children and adults, as a ghostwriter for series as well as original titles, including the Romantic Comedies Something Borrowed, The Twelve Date of Christmas, and Love on Cue. She lives in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
May 30, 2020
3.5
This was quite lovely. A story from the point of view of a horse, with lots of interesting facts included. The illustrations were wonderful, bringing so much life to the book. Suitable for young readers starting chapter books. Would also be a good one to read aloud. I will be reading the other books in this series.
This was quite lovely. A story from the point of view of a horse, with lots of interesting facts included. The illustrations were wonderful, bringing so much life to the book. Suitable for young readers starting chapter books. Would also be a good one to read aloud. I will be reading the other books in this series.
March 5, 2022
If I'd read this as a kid, I'd have adored it. As an adult it's still enjoyable though a few of the names a bit difficult to process. Great story, and lovely artwork. Actual rating 3.5 ⭐
March 1, 2010
In Iceland, around the year 1000 A.D., most Icelandic horses spend their summers roaming free and their winters on farms working for humans. This book is the story of one young Icelandic filly. She is born in the summer, and a few months later when fall arrives, she and part of her herd are brought to the farm of a human family. The family's young daughter, Amma, becomes very close to the filly, and names her Elska. The horse and the young girl develop a strong bond. However, Amma's father decides to trade Elska to a neighbor, confusing Elska and breaking Amma's heart. Will they ever be reunited again?
Told from the point of view of Elska, this was a cute story that is sure to appeal to young girls who love horses, particularly those who also enjoy historical fiction. The book teaches some interesting facts about life for both horses and humans in Iceland in this time period. The illustrations were very well done and were adorable. I would definitely recommend this book to the target audience.
Told from the point of view of Elska, this was a cute story that is sure to appeal to young girls who love horses, particularly those who also enjoy historical fiction. The book teaches some interesting facts about life for both horses and humans in Iceland in this time period. The illustrations were very well done and were adorable. I would definitely recommend this book to the target audience.
November 11, 2012
Reviewed by Joan Stradling for TeensReadToo.com
ELSKA is a horse story like no other. Mainly because this story comes straight from the horse's mouth. That's right; Hapka lets Elska tell her own story.
The book begins with Elska's birth and follows her as she grows and learns the way of an Icelandic mare. Jump into this book and follow this magnificent horse through training, growing, and even a daring rescue.
Reading ELSKA took me back to my childhood when I read horse books by Marguerite Henry. I have to say, I enjoyed Hapka's story as much today as I would have back then . . . maybe more.
If you have a horse lover in your life, trot on out and pick up a copy of this book for them. I am passing this book on to my nine-year-old and I'm sure she'll love it.
I look forward to future HORSE DIARIES books.
ELSKA is a horse story like no other. Mainly because this story comes straight from the horse's mouth. That's right; Hapka lets Elska tell her own story.
The book begins with Elska's birth and follows her as she grows and learns the way of an Icelandic mare. Jump into this book and follow this magnificent horse through training, growing, and even a daring rescue.
Reading ELSKA took me back to my childhood when I read horse books by Marguerite Henry. I have to say, I enjoyed Hapka's story as much today as I would have back then . . . maybe more.
If you have a horse lover in your life, trot on out and pick up a copy of this book for them. I am passing this book on to my nine-year-old and I'm sure she'll love it.
I look forward to future HORSE DIARIES books.
February 20, 2013
It was good and entertaining and I liked that there were pictures to describe what was happening because it took place in Iceland in 1000ad and some of the words were unfamiliar.
February 1, 2013
Elska was a good book but the Icelandic names(ex: Alfvader,Magni etc ...)were extremely hard to pronounce.
October 6, 2019
A sweet book.
January 28, 2025
A cute horse book set long ago in Iceland. Great for mother-daughter reading together. We both learned so much about Icelandic horses! They are cute, come in all different colors and coat patterns, are super strong and are not classified as "ponies" even though they are smaller than most horse breeds. They are so purely bred and isolated on Iceland that they don't suffer from most horse diseases. It is illegal to bring in other horses into the country of Iceland, and if an Icelandic horse leaves, it is not allowed to return. Also, this special breed is a "gaited" breed, meaning it has its own special gaits in addition to the three gaits common in all horse breeds: the walk, trot, and gallop. This horse breed is able to do two additional gates, the tölt, and the flying pace.
January 5, 2022
Lovely horse series. Each book is stand alone about a particular horse. They are historically accurate and contain lots of details pertinent to that breed/location/era.
Easy middle school read with high interest content.
Easy middle school read with high interest content.
May 30, 2021
I love the print! It was very, very easy to read and this was just the best horse book!
August 29, 2023
An easy and quick read to share with your kiddos. The illustrations are beautiful, and the info about the horse breed and country of origin is great.
September 20, 2018
- Gnome read this book, and she finished it really fast. She kept asking me to read it, so we could talk about it. I was worried it was going to be boring and/or super cheesy since the horse is telling the story, but I read it, and I really liked it! It was SO cute!
- The horse perspective is great. I actually really liked it.
- The writing is great! The story just flows, and the reading is effortless.
- The little girl and her love for her horse is so sweet. The story is so cute!
- The illustrations great! They capture the story perfectly, and the horses are so life like.
- It only took me about 30 minutes to read the whole book, but I got really attached to the characters. I almost cried after I finished. . . from cuteness, not sadness.
- I'm really happy that Gnome encouraged me to read this. This was her first book recommendation to me, and it was a good one. I usually push books on her, so it was fun to have it the other way around.
- The horse perspective is great. I actually really liked it.
- The writing is great! The story just flows, and the reading is effortless.
- The little girl and her love for her horse is so sweet. The story is so cute!
- The illustrations great! They capture the story perfectly, and the horses are so life like.
- It only took me about 30 minutes to read the whole book, but I got really attached to the characters. I almost cried after I finished. . . from cuteness, not sadness.
- I'm really happy that Gnome encouraged me to read this. This was her first book recommendation to me, and it was a good one. I usually push books on her, so it was fun to have it the other way around.
September 20, 2021
This is a wonderful series that I well-enjoyed during my younger years, and when I was about seven years old it was my ultimate favorite. We all loved the story of Black Beauty, and this series has the same idea - a horse telling its own story during the historical time it lives. There are so many books to read in this series, and though they don't need to be read in order, as each novel presents new characters with new conflicts, but they take place in the order of the historical time. It's really cool for a young kid to be able to read the thoughts of a horse through a fictional book and learn more about the breed it highlights and the history centered around the breed's origin.
These books are absolutely wonderful and very informative. After the entertaining story, there is a little section in the back that teaches about the breed and its uses during a specific time period. They are clean, entertaining, and such a great read for any 7 to 10-year-old child. If you love horses and history, be sure to check out Horse Diaries!
These books are absolutely wonderful and very informative. After the entertaining story, there is a little section in the back that teaches about the breed and its uses during a specific time period. They are clean, entertaining, and such a great read for any 7 to 10-year-old child. If you love horses and history, be sure to check out Horse Diaries!
March 25, 2019
Elska, a dappled Gray, remembered her whole life. It’s a really good book! Just remember this: you don’t have to read them in order.
Elska, a dappled Gray, remembers her whole life. She remembers playing with the other colts and fillies. And learning how to tölt. She remembers when she was first brought to Amma. The child that she so desperately loves. But when one of their neighbors sees how intelligent Elska is, Elska May not stay with Amma.
Amma is devastated that Elska has been sold. But when a tragedy happens to Amma, Elska is nearby.
Elska, a dappled Gray, remembers her whole life. She remembers playing with the other colts and fillies. And learning how to tölt. She remembers when she was first brought to Amma. The child that she so desperately loves. But when one of their neighbors sees how intelligent Elska is, Elska May not stay with Amma.
Amma is devastated that Elska has been sold. But when a tragedy happens to Amma, Elska is nearby.
January 5, 2012
What a darling little book!
I had the pleasure of going on a horseback ride when I was in Iceland this past summer and the authors did a wonderful job of capturing the spirit of this steadfast little horse.
Definitely recommended for horse lovers of all ages!
I had the pleasure of going on a horseback ride when I was in Iceland this past summer and the authors did a wonderful job of capturing the spirit of this steadfast little horse.
Definitely recommended for horse lovers of all ages!
January 2, 2015
i loved it! my favorite character was the horse,Elska. she was so sweet.
April 12, 2019
I found the perspective interesting and the plot extremely unique, but it's definitely not my level of reading. :P
January 22, 2023
I really enjoyed the fantastic pictures and story in this book. It’s so fun for me to have a new horse to read about in each book in the Horse Diaries series.
September 9, 2021
Elska is an Icelandic horse born during the herd's summer turnout. She frolics with the other foals until autumn, when she has her first human encounter. But Elska's mom Silfra isn't worried, so neither is she. Now she encounters the kind human Amma, who she bonds with. Several years of this lovely life pass by, with Elska checking in and reporting on her activities from time to time, before the inevitable conflict. A neighboring chieftain claims Elska as his reward for helping Amma's father, and both horse and girl are sad by the split. What will Elska's new life look like, and what will Amma do without her?
Much like Black Beauty before it (a quote from that book is used in the introduction), Elska is told from the horse's point of view. It's a well-written children's book with a great heart and lovely descriptions of both the horses and of Iceland. I enjoyed both the characters and the setting. The relationships between horses, and between Elska and Amma, are nicely built up throughout the first half of the story. Being told from the horses point of view gives the author the advantage of allowing conversations between the horses. There is some action towards the end, but overall it's a sweet tale about a horse and her girl.
Much like Black Beauty before it (a quote from that book is used in the introduction), Elska is told from the horse's point of view. It's a well-written children's book with a great heart and lovely descriptions of both the horses and of Iceland. I enjoyed both the characters and the setting. The relationships between horses, and between Elska and Amma, are nicely built up throughout the first half of the story. Being told from the horses point of view gives the author the advantage of allowing conversations between the horses. There is some action towards the end, but overall it's a sweet tale about a horse and her girl.
September 25, 2025
I was sort of confused of what the humans said is understood in the book but Elska has no idea what it means. I eventually pieced it out and realized that Elska didn't know because she's a horse and also because Catherine Hapka wanted us to know what the humans are saying. So basically, like 1025 years ago, there's this horse that is born in Iceland. She then gets liked by Amma, a human. Life is good until one day Alfvaldr(I tried to spell it), their powerful neighbor, takes a liking of Elska and takes her away. Eventually, Elska ran back to their owners, only to get Amma's family in trouble. Until one day, when Elska attends the rettir and meets Amma again. Amma decides to ride Elska for a bit, but Tassi, Alfvaldr's son, spots them. Amma tries to take a shortcut through the river, but is washed away. Luckily, Elska saves her. Realizing Elska remains loyal to Amma, Alfvaldr decides to return Elska to Amma's family. At the end of the book, Elska is pregnant and will give birth to another foal. I'm guessing the foal will be Bell, the main character of the next book. Overall I liked this book a lot, giving it a 5/5. Note: god please help me why does Goodreads tell me everything is spelled wrong even though I checked the book to see if the names are spelled correctly wrong
May 13, 2025
I hadn't heard of this series before stumbling upon some paperbacks at a library sale, which I snagged for my LittleFreeLibrary. I figured I'd read one or two first, and I did (#5 and #7). Checking out the series. I saw that audio was available for the first few books. I borrowed this (Hoopla) and experienced it in audio (although I also grabbed the Kindle copy, I didn't have this one in physical format).
While these don't need to be read in any order, they feature all different breeds of horses, set in several locations and time periods ... I was glad to read the "first" book in the series (even if I didn't read it first).
This one starts right at birth. Female horse (the other two I read featured boy horses). Each story I've read (so far) has human interaction, and a connection with a special human.
From an adult perspective, I think I like the appendix at the end the most. After we/the reader gets the fictional story/setting, the appendix outlines facts and additional information. This one especially, I learned some new things ... the tölt gait and that Iceland doesn't allow ANY horses coming in (keeping the breed pure).
While these don't need to be read in any order, they feature all different breeds of horses, set in several locations and time periods ... I was glad to read the "first" book in the series (even if I didn't read it first).
This one starts right at birth. Female horse (the other two I read featured boy horses). Each story I've read (so far) has human interaction, and a connection with a special human.
From an adult perspective, I think I like the appendix at the end the most. After we/the reader gets the fictional story/setting, the appendix outlines facts and additional information. This one especially, I learned some new things ... the tölt gait and that Iceland doesn't allow ANY horses coming in (keeping the breed pure).
June 4, 2017
If your child likes horses, they'll like this book. It really is that simple. As an adult reading this the horse telling the story doesn't quite work at times, buy kids won't think about that. It's a simple, clean story that introduces readers to a world they'll otherwise not be familiar with. The illustrations are well done & excellent complements to the story - the humans clothes and such aren't really described by the horse, bit the pictures show them which is great as young kids won't know how the icelanders dressed back in the day. My only complaint is Tha the girl does something she knows she shouldn't. Yes, she almost dies (but not in a scary way) but things work out favorably for her such that it almost seems she's rewarded for her disobedience. Otherwise it's a charming story for kids.
March 11, 2022
The chapters are short, with gorgeous art throughout. A third or fourth grader should have no trouble reading it, aside from the non-english words here and there. The story moves quickly, but without sacrificing the emotional impact of events. The wee one loved it, she even sat through the appendix with more information about Icelandic horses (which had really good info in it). We are looking forward to the second book.
October 12, 2021
Good book that teaches readers about a (likely) newer topic while reaching them in a format they enjoy. I loved learning about Iceland and Icelandic horses through this book. These books are super popular with my students and I'm so excited to know that they are also learning about different places around the world and time periods throughout history.
June 28, 2023
Horse Diaries:Elska is a great book especially when Elska jumps over the fence of rock to get back to the little girl.
They were both happy until the separate owners of Elska both get in a fight even though one owner gave Elska as a gift to the other owner the little girl was sad to say goodbye to Elska.
Overall you should totally read this book.
They were both happy until the separate owners of Elska both get in a fight even though one owner gave Elska as a gift to the other owner the little girl was sad to say goodbye to Elska.
Overall you should totally read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2023
Elska is the first in the Horse Diaries series. It was an engaging read Along the lines of the famous Black Beauty. It’s about the special relationship between a horse and a child. One can expect to learn a bit about horse ranches in Iceland. This children’s book it’s an easy chapter book with illustrations that children will enjoy. I am previewing it for my grandchildren. Highly recommend.
June 15, 2025
I was obsessed with the Horse Diaries as a kid! I just found my copies of the series tucked away in storage, and decided that a reread is necessary! Although this is far, far below my current reading level, I still found it quite enjoyable! And the illustrations are beautiful! Definitely the perfect series for young horse enthusiasts!
July 18, 2018
I love the horse diaries!!!! I want to read them over and over!!!!!
I love how the author makes each horse special, and every ending is different!!!! Elska is the perfect character!!! I wish I could have a horse!!!🐎
I love how the author makes each horse special, and every ending is different!!!! Elska is the perfect character!!! I wish I could have a horse!!!🐎
August 1, 2019
This was a very interesting book. It was refreshing to learn about Icelandic horses and icelandic customs from 1000AD.
The story was short but wasn't lacking because of it.
The illustrations were very beautiful.
The story was short but wasn't lacking because of it.
The illustrations were very beautiful.
February 5, 2020
My 9 year old read it to me. She adores horses so this whole series will be read. We did have to look some terms up as she read because neither of us knew the meanings. So, we enjoyed the setting, the characters and the education we received from reading this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews