Horse Diaries #1: Elska

This is a very nice book. The story of Elska is very cool. The author let's Elska tell the story! Elska is seperated from Amma, the girl that loves her so much, and is sold to a neighbor. She runs away to see Amma but it didn't quite work out because the father got blamed for stealing the horse but it was really Elska's fault. Amma doesn't get to see Elska for a very long time but soon, one day, Elska saw a group of riders coming to the farm and one is Amma! Amma is so happy but bursts into tears and runs. She comes back later to see Elska and go for a quick ride but she gets caught and Amma falls into a river when she dismounts. It was up to Elska to save her. I don't want to give it all away though so that's all I will say! I think this book has a great Beginning, Middle, and end. It even has some facts about horses in the last few pages. I have to admit the story is a bit short though. But it is long enough to like it! It's still a good book!

Elska's story starts in 1000 A.D. in Iceland and consists of her first memories as a foal. Elska grows up with young Amma, but as fate would have Alfvaldr, the chieftain sees the pony and likes her spirit and he is given to him. Amma finds her pony and takes off on her one day meaning to ride her and return before anyone with Alfvardr's camp realizes Elska is missing. Amma falls in the river and Elska rescues her and girl and pony are reunited. The story is a sweet one and you get a feel for the Icelandic pony The end of the book details some facts about Iceland which includes the fact that the Icelandic pony is one of the purest lines in the equine world. No other breed of horse is allowed in Iceland and any Icelandic pony that is exported out of the country is not allowed back in. Part of the draw of this book for me was how the author captured the spirit of the horse. I spent a month in Iceland on a nature tour and some of my fondest memories are of the Icelandic horses cavorting and playing in the fields. This is such a funny little horse--stocky, but agile; serious, but playful. I thought the author showed the horse's personality and breed characteristics well. If you ever have a chance to go to Iceland make sure you schedule some time to view the horses.

Join the adventures of Star, a curious Morgan horse, with his loving family from Vermont in the 1860's. With the help of his mother, Bell, and his young owner, Katie, Star soon adapts to the mysteries of his new life. But Star soon realizes that life isn't always play and joins the farm work his family does for a living. With his new friend, Katie, he gallops along the road of life. Alison Hart intrigues all readers with her heartwarming tale told from Star's of view. Alison Hart's masterpiece, Horse Diaries: Bell's Star, is the best horse story since Flicka. The detailed, realistic drawings by Ruth Sanderson draw readers in and bring the story to life. We recommend this kid-friendly book for its exiting and entertaining plot. From cantering through the muddy forest to saving an unexpected friend, this story is full of adventure. Be a part of the experience as Alison Hart and Ruth Sanderson lead you into Star's world. Reviewed by Sarah Whipple, Carly Adamson, and Mikayla Inuye Fifth Grade Phoebe Hearst Elementary, Sacramento This is a short chapter book for horse lovers and people who like books on friendship. It's based on the life of a horse. Elska is a silver dapple horse who becomes fond of her owner's daughter, Amma. The true meaning of their friendship shows when Elska and she become separated. When Amma gets in deep trouble...it's Elska to the rescue! You'll be on the edge of your seat, as you keep wondering what will happen next. This story has a happy ending when Elska and Amma are reunited. This would be a great book for a school library or your own library collection at home. After reading this book, I liked it so much, I actually went out and bought it! Reviewed by Christina Suarez Fifth Grade Student Villalovoz Elementary, Tracy

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. Reviewed by: Joan Stradling

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.