Book Series · 16 Books

Horse Diaries Books

In order from Elska to Penny.

Sixteen horses narrate their own stories across different eras and places, pairing animal adventure with accessible historical fiction.

Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated August 12, 2026

Reading order

How to Read the Horse Diaries Books

The books have an official numbered order, but every volume follows a different horse in a different historical setting. Start with Elska for publication order, or choose a horse breed or period that interests your child without losing a continuing plot.

Jingle Bells is longer and labeled a Special Edition, while Cinders crosses over with Dog Diaries. Both remain official numbered Horse Diaries volumes.

Sources: Penguin Random House official 16-book order.

For parents

What Parents Should Know

The historical settings bring real danger: war and displacement, slavery, fire, harsh work, animal injury, separation, neglect, racing, bullfighting, and the possibility of human or animal death. The horse narrators keep the stories hopeful, but sensitive animal lovers may find some scenes upsetting.

Black-and-white illustrations and historical material help readers understand each breed, place, and period. Because the stories stand alone, parents can preview or skip a setting that feels too intense.

Where to start

Where Should My Child Start?

Follow the numbered order

Begin with Elska, an Icelandic horse whose life changes when she bonds with a young girl.

Choose a historical setting

Try Maestoso Petra for World War II, Luna for a nineteenth-century circus, or Cinders for the Great Chicago Fire.

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Sale price

$759

Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2009

Elska

By Catherine Hapka, Ruth Sanderson (Illustrator)

A filly's peaceful life is upended by a powerful neighbor's interest.

144 pages· 8,323 words· Est. 1 hour read

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

In reading order

Horse Diaries Series

16 books · Published 2009–2019

#1 in Series

Sale price

$759

Elska

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2009

A filly's peaceful life is upended by a powerful neighbor's interest.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$759

Bell's Star

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2009

A young horse named Star helps a runaway slave girl named Eliza escape to Canada

#3 in Series

Sale price

$759

Koda

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

A horse's journey on the Oregon Trail reveals life's true values.

#5 in Series

Sale price

$759

Golden Sun

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2010

A horse's journey reveals its true calling when a friend's life hangs in the balance.

#6 in Series

Sale price

$759

Yatimah

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

A filly's peaceful life shatters when her brother is stolen, revealing her true destiny.

#7 in Series

Sale price

$759

Risky Chance

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2011

A young Thoroughbred horse's life is forever changed when he is claimed by a new owner, a young girl and her father, a former jockey, who help him recover from his injuries and find a new purpose in life.