*spoilers*

I really enjoyed this book. This series, new to me, is all written from the horse's pov, and that makes it infinitely more interesting. I loved Elska's bond with Amma, and was overjoyed when she saved Amma's life and was allowed to live with her beloved owner again. This book also taught me a lot about Icelandic horses, which was a lot of fun to learn about. And I have to mention the illustrations, which are so awesome and detailed and real that it made the book just pop. ( )

it was a very good book. I have read a lot of the books from
this series and this my favorite one! definitely read this book! ( )

This is one of the saddest books I have ever read! I still cant believe Elska was taken away from her family. I hope future readers can enjoy this book as much as I do! ( )

This is the first book in the series about an Icelandic horse. Set in Iceland in the year Circa AD 1000 this is the story of Elska from the time she was foaled. Each of the books in the series are told through the eyes of the horse. This is a great series for the transisitional reader who loves horses. Not too much text on the page and lots of black and white contextual drawings keep the simple plots moving. Elska’s young owner Amma takes care of her until a powerful landowner steps into her life. Suddenly everything has changed...will Amma get to keep Elska? Will she ever come home again?

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. ( )