Santa’s reindeer broke his sleigh! James and Syvok get whisked away to try to help save the day with Matthias, the dragon. Along the way there are delays, pondering the question-will Santa have a sleigh in time to deliver the presents? Come along with old friends, meet new friends, and enjoy the Yuletide adventure!
Review: By Candice Simpson, Are you ready for another adventure? This is sure to be a hit! James finds his friends await him for a magical Yuletide trip, because the reindeer have been naughty and Santa needs a little help from the Icelandic Yule Lads. Those bad reindeer! You will sail off on a magic sleigh ride with Matthias the dragon leading the way with his friends to help him carry the sleigh! You will also get caught up in a very special rescue! And then after the special rescue they are off to Santa to save the day!This is one of those books that just draws you in from the cover! I got to see the print edition a couple days ago. The way the cover just pops with that realistic sparkle. Ah! Its gorgeous. The words flow right into the illustrations and the story becomes a page turner! If your children love Christmas stories with fun, adventures, and more-this is the one to have arrive at your door! I love how Wendy writes for children to enjoy. She draws the adventure, adds a little mystery, and wraps it up with surprises and fun in a realistic way. This particular book is one I would pass down to my grandchildren, and will make a holiday tradition (like her other holiday book- Tomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads of Iceland).Don’t forget to check out the first four adventures that James and Syvok embark on! And enjoy the newest holiday delight! I know my children couldn’t wait to read it, and are still loving it! They are looking forward to sharing it with their teachers and friends this holiday season!
It is available on Amazon Ebook or print. Sleigh Ride Amazon Link If you order it online you can contact me at wendysbookcase@gmail and I will send a signed book plate you can adhere to the inside cover. Actually I will do this for any of my books purchased online for free.
Next is book 4 Amongst the Clouds this book released in July
James and Syvok 4th adventure has a new mystery floating about. James is curious to explore the iridescent cloud. All the colors of a rainbow glow, surely there are adventures to sow. Come along and meet new friends! Dragons, cats, troll, and more, lots of fun is in store. Join the adventures up in the sky and help the wizard find her magical key. Come and see what the iridescent cloud hides!
5 Star Review from Readers Favorite: Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers’ FavoriteAmongst the Clouds (A James and Syvok Adventure Book 4) is a fantasy by Wendy Nystrom. James lives in Akureyri, Iceland, where everything seems unusual. He notices an odd, rainbow coloured cloud following him when he meets his magical friends, Syvok, a fairy, and Matthias, a blue dragon. Matthias takes them flying on his back. They examine the cloud that has a door, and Ranni, James’ former teacher, opens it. Ranni tells them the cloud is her home, but needs their help to save it. She lost the key that opens her spell book and wants them to find it, or she will be stuck in one location. Old Hag, a witch, coveted the key and cast a transformation spell to steal Ranni’s home and do more evil. The friends discover what she is up to, but it may be too late to stop her malicious plan.Amongst the Clouds (A James and Syvok Adventure Book 4) is a fun book young readers will like. Wendy Nystrom, who created this lovely story, writes wonderfully well. Her characters are unique and the plot is original. Although this is the fourth book in the series, the author included sufficient background information about the characters and previous events, so I was able to understand certain activities taking place. The personalities and antics of Old Hag, her cowardly husband, Ragamuffin, and pet, Yule Cat, are amusing. Wendy Nystrom will keep children entertained with her exciting fantasy stories. They will enjoy this Amongst the Clouds adventure.
Available on Amazon and B&N
Book 3 Tomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads of Iceland
Tomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads of Iceland
One of my favorite Icelandic legends is the 13 Yule Lads. More Christmas adventures. This book has three adventures in one book. The first Yule Lad arrives December 12th.
Thirteen Santas! How neat! Thinks James as he and Syvok set off on their third adventure. Little did he know the mischief these Yule Lads were capable of getting them all into. Join James, Syvok, thirteen Yule Lad’s and, of course, Matthias as they cause a raucous, create laughs, and create a Yuletide that you and James will always remember.
Readers Favorite 5 star review: Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ FavoriteTomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads of Iceland (James and Syvok) by Wendy Nystrom is an ideal story book for children and its seasonal theme makes it even more relevant right now. James and Syvok set off on their third adventure. There are 13 Santas and they create a lot of laughs and fun for the reader, giving them an unforgettable Yuletide. The book is light-hearted and silly and it will take children on yet another exciting adventure this season. You can join them and celebrate Christmas the Icelandic way. You can start planning for Christmas from here.
It is a book filled with loads of fun, perfect for any child reader. The illustrations are very bright and cheerful and they contribute to the Christmas spirit of the story. The traditions of Iceland are very informative and interesting for the reader to learn. Their customs are so different that it makes readers aware of other cultures. It is also a novel way of introducing children to the traditions of a new place in a fun manner. This adventure story book is perfect with wonderful imagery.
The book is a great combination of imagination, holiday spirit, and tradition. The author has managed to bring them together and weave a delightful story. It is a book that can be read by adults, too. The book can also be an exposure to the cultural traditions in another country
My favorite 5 star review from fabulous fellow childrens author P.J LaRue
Tomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads of Iceland (James and Syvok) by Wendy Nystrom is the 3rd book in the James and Syvok Adventure seriesis inspired by Icelandic folklore where the lads bring gifts and mischief to children the 13 nights before Christmas. Once James and his magical friend Syvok meet the 13 Yule Lads of Iceland, the lads decide to spend the night at James’ house each night after delivering the gifts. How will James prevent his parents from finding out that he has these noisy house guests clanging pots, slamming doors and generally creating a huge ruckus? As I read this book, it was more fun than the 10 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed crossed with the excitement of The Night Before Christmas.This delightful book is for young children, but I found myself laughing out loud at some of the antics of the 13 Yule lads.
Available on Amazon Ebook or print and B&N nook.
Book 2 Helga Returns
Helga Returns
What happens when James discovers a huge foot print.Helga Returns traveled to Orlando in April 2014 to receive best children’s ages 9-12 award from Turning the Pages Magazine award ceremony.
James’ second adventure begins with a footprint. He once again calls out to his Icelandic magical friends, Syvok and Matthias, to discover what it means. He will find Helga, the troll who left the footprint.
James follows Helga to Yamas, the troll village. Will they be left on a glacier or will they save the Guardian Troll from danger? Will Syvok and Matthias reach James in time to save him when the earth tremors?
5 star Readers Favorite Review: Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite
Helga Returns – A James and Syvok Adventure by Wendy Nystrom is about the adventures of James for the second time. He finds a footprint and he asks his friends Syvok and Matthias to help him find out about the footprint. They discover that it is Helga’s footprint and follow it into the troll village. Will they be able to save the troll and will Syvok and Matthias be able to save James?
It is an absolutely delightful story for children. The story has many underlying messages in it. I liked the fact that it introduces them to glaciers. Any book is educational for a reader because it will have information to offer that gives you an opportunity to learn. The characters of James, Syvok, and Matthias capture the interest of the reader but the most appealing character is Helga, the troll. Iceland as a backdrop is another interesting aspect of this book. It is a magical story of James along with the two Icelanders, Syvok and Matthias. The story does not lose its tempo and the beautiful illustrations give the characters an identity which makes it easier for children to relate to them.
The biggest advantage of adventure stories is that they encourage children to think and be imaginative. It gives them the freedom to dream, experiment, think differently, and create their own characters. I found the little trolls and dragonets very interesting and they add to the whimsical quality of the story.
Review from Author “No More Animals” Amy Bowling
Ms. Nystrom once again creates a wonderful mystical adventure in which she uses the wonderful Icelandic backdrop for a beautiful mythology. The story of James, Syvok, and Matt, continues as the battle the mountain trolls of Iceland in a wonderfully warming tale. All ages can get absorbed in to magical journey of friendship, bonding, and an impervious boy who’s innate curiosity leads us all into the depths of our imaginations.
Thanks to Ms. Nystrom for wonderfully woven adventure through Icelandic folklore to spin a tale that leaves you feeling gratified and yet wanting more of our precious pair and their intelligent transport.
Available at Amazon and B&N Ebook or Print
Book 1 James Saves the Moon
James Saves the Moon
This is the first in the James and Syvok adventures. My son inspired this story and my writing began after he really saw the moon sitting on the mountain one day while living in Iceland in 2005. James informing me that he was going to climb the mountain and touch the moon unlocked many stories for me that I did not know were there until that moment. James Saves the Moon traveled to Miami to receive a gold medal 2014 from Readers Favorite International Awards Children’s Fantasy.
“Here within lies a tale of a young boy named James, which takes place in a far away island nation of Iceland.”
Travel along with James up the mountain, soaring through the air with his friends he meets along the way to reach the moon.
Readers Favorite 5 star review and gold award winner 2014 at Readers Favorite International Awards. Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers’ Favorite
“James Saves the Moon”, written by Wendy Nystrom, is a delightful children’s picture book that combines a child’s imagination with Icelandic mythology. The illustrations by Jim Weidman, in a blue tone with colorful characters, lend a mythological feel to the story of a young boy (James), who sees the moon over one of the high mountains and decides that if he climbs to the top of the mountain he can reach out and touch the moon. Slipping quietly out of his bedroom window, he sets out on his journey. On his way up the mountain he stumbles over some rocks and disturbs one of Iceland’s mythological figures (Syvok), who joins him on his journey. They suddenly realize that unless they move faster, the moon will leave before they make it to the top of the mountain. In order that they can move faster, Syvok summons a dragon (Matthias), who allows them to ride on his back. They discover that the moon is stuck on the mountain and they will have to help get it unstuck. The three work as a team to set the moon free and while doing so, James truly does touch the moon.The color of the illustrations by Jim Weidman and the very well-written story by Wendy Nystrom make “James Saves the Moon” a rare treasure for a children’s picture book. Its simplicity combined with the kind of story that stirs the imagination of a child make it something that will stick in the mind of the reader for a lifetime. This book gives a little bit of a taste of the colorful and flavorful history of Iceland and its traditions. It is highly recommended for its ability to help stir a child’s imagination. A wonderfully simple and delightful tale.
Available at Amazon and B&N( Ebook 0.99 or Print )and BookSurf (signed print)
You and your kids will love these magical adventures. Their is also a dragon on every illustration. Some are hidden. Well this is what is my current adventure! Thanks for dropping in hope you enjoyed the adventure. Happy Yuletide to everyone. Enjoy the adventure every day brings you, WB
Wendy Nystrom 