Horse Diaries #1: Elska
#1 of 16 in Horse Diaries Series
What’s inside...
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.
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire most about Elska and why?
How does the relationship between Elska and her owner evolve throughout the story?
What role does the setting play in Elska’s adventures? Can you imagine the story in a different setting?
What lessons about friendship and loyalty does Elska teach us?
How do the challenges Elska faces help her grow? Can you relate to any of her experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Elska’s journey, highlighting the importance of empathy.
Discuss the historical and cultural setting of the story to give your child a deeper understanding of the narrative context.
Ask your child to compare their own experiences with Elska’s, fostering a personal connection with the character.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to help your child visualize the story, enhancing their reading comprehension.
Reinforce the themes of loyalty and friendship discussed in the book by relating them to your child’s everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Elska, a young Icelandic filly, learns about her role within her herd and the responsibilities it brings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking care of their own belongings, helping with household chores, and understanding their roles in family and school settings.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Elska builds a bond with her young caretaker, demonstrating the value of trust and companionship in relationships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to nurture relationships by being trustworthy and supportive friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Elska shows empathy towards other characters, understanding and sharing the feelings of another, which helps in building mutual respect.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with kindness and understanding.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Elska faces various challenges but her determination helps her to overcome them. This highlights the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to remain determined and continue trying even when faced with difficulties.
Example Lesson: Adaptation
Explanation: As Elska adjusts to new settings away from her original home, she shows flexibility and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adapting to new environments, be it changing schools, or meeting new people.