Elsie Dinsmore?

We’ve had varying experiences. I read it to my son and daughter when they were about 8 and 6. I read probably the first three and they enjoyed them. My daughter then picked up the series later and read it all (or, I should say, all that we have, which is 14). Ditto my next two daughters, though they were probably 10 and 12 at the time. My current 7yo daughter did not ‘get it’ when I tried to start Elsie with her recently. I decided to wait, obviously (why read a story they can’t understand?!). But also because there are some troubling parts in these books, too. The father is very cruel. Though that did not bother my other children, I’m thinking now that it will this daughter. There is also some prejudice that has to be censored. Oh, and the current set of boys (12 and 10) were just gagging at the girly-ness of it all. I have a friend that started when her daughter was 6 and read the series straight through. Her daughter really patterned her own life after Elsie’s and it has been a wonder and joy to see. So, with that very long answer to your very simple question, I think this is one series that it just depends on the child. You could give it a go and see how it works.

Blessings,

Cindy

Who is Elsie Dinsmore?

And just to give a “plot spoiler” for those who have never read the series, the father has a complete change of heart at the end of the first book. So the rest of the books portray a beautiful relationship between father and daughter. It’s just the first book that is a little depressing.