2018 Goal Adventure

Good Day & Happy New Year I am looking forward to 2018

2017 not the best year, but not the worst year either. It was a year of identifying the changes I need to achieve future goals. Change takes huge amount of time, research and dedicated work to make it happen. I am so glad I can move on to implementing the change hopefully in 2018 and see some positive results.

First thing I am doing is setting goals, not resolutions. When you set resolutions often it results in depressing failures. But working towards goals pushes us to achieve and this can lead to fabulous new adventures.

My first goal of my writing career is to find an outstanding children’s literary agent. I truly believe after 10 years of being in this business and published by independent publishers, winning awards, great reviews, and emails from fans, that my books would be best sellers if I was contracted with a children’s publisher. Sadly the majority of children publishers do not accept unsolicited submissions. So you must have a literary agent. I currently have 5 finished magical realism adventures, that ignites children ages 7-12 imaginations as they fly on the back of Matthias the dragon. They meet and learn that preconceived notions of creatures and people are not what they seem. Most folks are interesting and enjoy adventures too. Adults that have read my stories have told me they are taken back to their childhood and are reminded of the imaginary adventures they thought of when they were young. Pure pleasure. The adventures are currently magical realism illustrated chapter books, which could be made into graphic novels for children. I add some Icelandic folklore and cleverly hidden life learning messages as children learn about the Icelandic hidden people.

Book 1: James Saves the Moon– James, a young boy, sees the moon sitting on the mountain in Iceland. He decides he must touch the moon. Along the way, he meets Syvok, who calls on his friend Matthias a dragon to fly them to the top of the mountain. The moon is stuck, and the three must work together to release it, without ending up in space themselves.

Book 2: Helga Returns– James adventure begins with a footprint. He once again calls out to his Icelandic magical friends, Syvok and Mattias 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 when the earth tremors will they save the Guardian Troll from danger? Will Syvok and Matthias reach James in time to save him?

Book 3: Tomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads of Iceland– 26 days of Yuletide adventures. Matthias the dragon knocks on James window and is whisked away to meet the Icelandic 13 Santas. Christmas Cat gets James in serious trouble and he must go home. Tomfoolery happens as the Yule Lads visit James every evening 13 days before Christmas. One yule lad must be saved when he falls into a crevice. Fires, dancing, and fireworks to say goodbye to the Icelandic hidden folks at the end of the yuletide season.

Book 4: Amongst the Clouds– James and Syvok 4th adventure has a new mystery floating about. Jame is curious to explore the iridescent cloud. All the colors of a rainbow glow, surely there are new adventures as the dragons soar. Come along and meet new friends and old enemies. Dragons, cats, old hag and more. Join the adventures up in the sky and help the wizard find her magical key before old Hag steals the magical travel cloud.

Book 5: Sleigh Ride– Santa’s reindeer broke his sleigh! James and Syvok get whisked away to help save the day with Mattias, the dragon. The threes stop at the Yule Lads home to deliver their sleigh to the North Pole. Along the way they are delayed by a polar bear, searching for her cub, who is floating on a block of ice in the arctic ocean. They must help, but will this delay Santa Claus?

All the above books are Amazon currently. Amazon Wendy Nystrom

Book 6: Magic Carousel: This book is in the editing stage. James and his family are planning a trip back home to Minnesota. James is once again whisked away to Helga’s cave. He is given a mission to find a magic carousel at the zoo and see if a mermaid and ogre who went missing a long time ago and turned to stone are on the carousel. Syvok the Icelandic elf/fairy travels with James to Minnesota. They have many comical adventures while vacationing and find the carousel. With the help of all his Icelandic friends, sisters, and carousel caretaker, they work together to bring the mermaid back home. But what about the ogre? How long can they all keep the travel tunnel open?

I am also working on a novel called the New Moon Brethren. This story is magical realism set in Portland, OR. The new moon brethren is a secret society with regional headquarters that were set up on mother earth to take out the dark one regime so that all of mother earth creatures can live out in the open again. It opens with Blaze the dragon waiting for her team to assemble. Their mission to bring a wolf changeling and her young daughter in, to be protected. The mission does not go as planned. Blaze and her old troman friend lose their mates but save young Isabelle, who may one day become an important leader at the New Moon Brethren. The dark one Delray, who was created, 1000 years ago by mistake due to a poor decision of his dragon mother, wants to bring Isabelle into his regime. She holds the DNA to create the next clan that can control earth. The novel is about halfway done.

A little about author Wendy Nystrom. I grew up in St.Paul, MN and have many adventures at different locations the last 25 years. I started writing epic magical fantasy stories for children while living in Iceland in 2005. My son looked out the window and saw the moon sitting on the mountain. He then told me he was going to climb the mountain and touch the moon. That evening I dreamed about him going on the adventure and in the morning I was handwriting the story. One evening while watching the moon on the mountain, changed my life. A key turned and unlocked my imagination. I have been dreaming and writing adventures since that magical night in Iceland. I earned a BA in urban planning at Texas State University. I am married and have 3 wonderful adventurous children. I have lived many places MN, TX, ID, CO, Iceland, WV, MI. I have held many different job positions, management, customer service, sales, security, and now writing. I have visited classrooms and inspired children to write, as well as participated at a childrens writing conference. I have been placed on organizations boards in my community

I have been told by many that my writing is original and outstanding. I am a talented storyteller and looking forward to working with someone who can move my writing career forward. I am easy to work with, open to ideas and love learning new things. I know a little about a lot of things.

If you are interested in contacting me, my email is wendysbookcase@gmail.com

Thank you for dropping in today. Enjoy the adventure the day brings you. WB

Magical Realism Adventures Chapter Books Ages 7-12 by Wendy Nystrom

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What If Adventure

One of my favorite blogs is https://theblabbermouthblog.com/ by Linda Epstein. Her and guest post are witty, engaging and informative. Last week she announced she was done blogging. This announcement kind of bummed me out for a couple of days. Then it reminded me of how she enlightened me about the business of writing and one of her guest post changed my outlook about writing, and life. The title is “Where Do Writers Get Their Ideas?” by Joe McGee.

What if? What a great question.This question opens up our imagination, thinking and leads to problem solving plans. I am incorporating this in to my life, writing and interactions with people. The next time I have the privilege of being in a classroom, conference, presentation, meeting, helping with homework I will ask what if. I have also began using it as I write. This question is a guiding tool for nearly anything and we don’t even realize it that many of us use this question while pursuing objectives or goals. What if the moon is sitting on a mountain? I know when I was writing my first book back in 2005 after my son noticed the moon on the mountain in Iceland. I asked this question what if frequently when writing the story.

James Saves the Moon

I recently ran into a teacher who invites me to her classroom, at the grocery store. While we were waiting in line, I informed her of my favorite writing blog and the post I mentioned above. “What If” She loved the idea also, and informed me she will use the what if tool in her 4th grade class.

When my children are struggling or frustrated with school work, I am going to ask what if you could solve it. I think this will calm them down to think about using another approach rather than thinking they are not smart enough.

What if you enjoy the adventure the day brings you? I hope you enjoyed the What If adventure today.

Thanks for dropping in today. Enjoy the Adventures the day brings you! WB Magical Realism Adventures Chapter Books Ages 7-12 by Wendy Nystrom

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Magical Realism – Fabulism Adventure!

Today I began a journey reading a post about what agents have been asking for and discovered two genres I have never heard of. Magical Realism and Fabulism. So I googled them and discovered what the genres mean.

Magical Realism – a style of painting or writing that depicts images or scenes of surreal fantasy in a representational or realistic way.

is a style of writing or painting which sometimes describes dreams as though they were real, and real events as though they were dreams.

a style in 20th-cent. literature and art that depicts fantastic or magical characters or occurrences in an otherwise realistic presentation a style of painting or writing that depicts images or scenes of surreal fantasy in a representational or realistic way.

Fabulism – (literature) A form of magic realism in which fantastical elements are placed into an everyday setting.

I was like WOW! My writing fits these genres! I am a Fabulist, who uses magical realism. No wonder kids and adults can relate and enjoy my stories. My children’s series for ages 7-12 are magical adventures set in the here and now.

Where would your imagination go if you saw the moon on a mountain and you decided to touch it? What happens if you discover a huge footprint and your fairy friend and dragon and show you whose foot it belongs too?How cool to have a dragon knock on your window and take you on a wild adventure and talk via telepathically. You look at a unusual cloud and wonder what could be hidden inside. You are whisked away on dragons back to help legendary yule tide characters. What happens when a troll takes you inside a mountain? I truly enjoy that my writing releases children’s imagination and reminds adults the adventures we had letting our imaginations run wild as children.

My novel New Moon Brethren that I am working on, is not urban fantasy. It is Magical Realism also set in the here and now city environment with a secret society of all of Mother Earths thinking creatures, humans, gnostics, dragons, tromans, changelings, fairies etc working together to fight the dark ones regime so Mother Earth can find balance again. As a author I am lucky, I can have imaginary friends (muses)and travel with them and not be considered mentally ill.

As I continue on my quest to find an agent, two new words will be added to my query letter Magical Realism and Fabulism or Fabulist. Award winning of course!

Thanks for dropping in today. Enjoy the Adventures the day brings you! WB

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Imagining and Dreaming Future Adventure!

I googled, dragon imagine the possibilities, and this wonderful graphic popped up. I don’t know the artist, but this is enchanting and beautiful.

Imagining and dreaming about the future. What it would be like to see children’s eyes light up after reading one of my books and telling me their stories. What if an agent emailed and said I love your imagination. I want more, let’s get to work on opening children’s imaginations so they can soar. Children publisher’s will fight over your stories.
Looking at my various query letters and notes. Wondering how I grab the imagination of a literary agent. Let them know when the dragon knocks at your window the imagination flies with the dragon on a wondrous adventure. Children need their imaginations to be allowed to fly.
Getting ready for when many agencies and publishers open back up in September, asking for submissions. Well that is where my imagination adventure flew today.

Thanks for dropping in today. Enjoy the Adventures the day brings you! WB

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Many Many Adventures more than writing!

Good Day Folks,

I always say I need to blog every week but seem to have so many things come up. I will try to get better at letting you know what my latest adventure is.

First my publisher Anchor Group Publishing has my book 4, Amongst the Clouds on sale this month. This adventure is for ages 7-12. What could be hidden in a cloud? Epic Adventure of Course. http://www.amazon.com/Amongst-Clouds-James-Syvok-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00LV3Y8CQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454610403&sr=8-1&keywords=amongst+the+clouds

Wow, I have been busy. I am still editing book 6 working title Magic Carousel. Sure is a fun adventure. I introduce two new characters,Tina and Timothy.

I also been editing and writing my novel New Moon Brethren. I had to take a break from my writers group, rather bummed. But just not enough time for it right now.

I was asked by Big Rapids Festival of Arts to organize an Authorpalooza Event for them. What a a fun adventure it has become. 40+ authors are coming February 20th to Big Rapids 1pm to 4PM. Plus classic book characters will be wandering around to interact with you. Thanks to Ferris State University Theatre Students. 12506484_10154417437838056_1951026028_n

This is going to be a fun event. We have a month full of art activities. If you are in the area here is Festival of Arts website. Check out the booklet with all the Art Activities. http://www.brfota.org/

Authorpalooza is on page 59. I have an event page here is the link for it. https://www.facebook.com/events/1107965342554486/. This has been a blast organizing.

I am also looking for a children’s literary agent. Been sending out many queries. Gotten a few rejections, The rejections have been much nicer than 10 years ago. So I am getting better. I do hope a agent will want to work with me in the near future, so I can dedicate more time for writing.

I also started a Facebook Weekly Children’s Author Spotlight from the FB group Kids Read-Author Promo Group. I put up the dates and authors sign up for a spotlight. Then for a week folks have the opportunity to get to know children’s authors and their book, experiences etc. Check them out and interact with the authors. We love to chat, answer questions with folks.

January 31 – February 6 PJ LaRue https://www.facebook.com/events/928039850567166/

February 7 – February 13 Lori Moore https://www facebook.com/events/627162244088797/

February 14 – February 20 Margretchin Chantal https://www.facebook.com/events/931170276930005/

February 21 – February 27 Janet Balletta https://www.facebook.com/events/574408682712211/

Recently, I have become involved with keeping our water safe. Joined a group who right now are trying to stop an injection well go active in my county. An oil and gas company wants to dump toxic waste from their oil fracking and drilling activities. So I have been educating myself on the issues and going to many meetings and writing many statements and speaking up to our public leaders about how dangerous it really is. At an EPA Public Hearing, a tear jerking moment. A few HS Students spoke and asked us adults to protect the water for them and the future.

Of course taking care of my family needs takes priority. Now with three teenagers in the house, we have many drama adventures. Fun fun!

Well you are up to date on things. Just a reminder I currently have 5 children epic adventure illustrated chapter books available for kids ages 7-12. Hope you enjoyed my many adventures. Thanks for stopping in. Enjoy the adventure the day brings you. WB

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Helga Returns Autumn Special Epic Adventure!

Good Day Folks!

Anchor Group Publishing has the epic adventure Helga Returns ebook on sale to celebrate autumn. Illustrated epic adventure when the dragon flies magical tales the entire family will enjoy. Ages 7-12.(Just a reminder if you purchase my book in print I will send you a signed book plate for free, just email at wendysbookcase@gmail.com)

Helga Returns Amazon Link

Helga Returns Barnes and Noble Link

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.

James Saves the Moon ebook where the epic adventures began is always on sale for 99 pennies.

James Saves the Moon Amazon Link

James Saves the Moon Barnes and Noble Link

Review

Reviewed By Bil Howard for Readers’ Favorite 5 Stars

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.

Hope you enjoyed the the sale adventure. Thanks for dropping in. Enjoy the adventure every day brings you, WB

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Christmas in July Adventure!

Good Day Folks,

Merry July. I love Christmas in July. Let me tell where the idea came from. My dear friend Chris Fox at lunch one day told me about her family could not get together in December so they put together a Christmas in July party when they all could get together. It sounded so much fun. So now for the second year I am having a Christmas in July Event. Here is the link on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/events/666757450126297/ Please join and enjoy some fun and possibly win some prizes.

I also have two thunderclap campaigns and would love your support. If you can click on the links and support. Thank you in advance.

https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/28294-christmas-in-july-adventure

https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/28298-sleigh-ride-christmas-in-july

MORE! My Publisher Anchor Group Publishing https://www.facebook.com/anchorgrouppublishing

Has put my Christmas books on sale for only 99 cents the entire month

Tomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads Amazon Link

Sleigh Ride Amazon Link

Readers Favorite Gold Award Winner. James Saves the Moon the first in book in the series is always on sale for 99 cents.

James Saves the Moon Amazon Link

My adventures are illustrated chapter books for ages 7-12. Hope you will join me for Christmas in July Adventures. Thanks for stopping in. Enjoy the Adventures every day brings you. WB https://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase

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Raven Adventures!

Good Day Folks!

I love ravens. I was looking through my pictures from our December trip to Arizona to spend Christmas with Grandma and Grumpa. We went through many states and had a ball at our stops on the way. It actually took us five days to get to Arizona since we stopped in New Mexico to visit our fabulous relatives and had fun. Then we went to 4 corners stood in four states. Met Grandma and Grumpa at the Grand Canyon for two days then G&G took us on a scenic route to there winter home in Arizona. It was a super special holiday adventure.

Along the way every day I noticed a Raven would stop in and say hi to me. I only was able to capture two pictures. One is at a rest area in NM and the other in the tree was outside our room at the Grand Canyon. Both chatted me up. I knew the trip was going to be fabulous after seeing my first Raven at a rest area in Indiana. The raven in Indiana showed me the tree with the skull on the tree. Pretty cool. Ravens are on my mind today. I see them often during my walks at home talking to me. And I always smile and say hello thanks for stopping by. They are an important creature in my novel I am working on called the New Moon Brethren and book 6 of my children’s series Magic Carousel.

My first encounter and where I started paying attention to Ravens occurred while we were living in Iceland. Our first flat in the morning and other times during the day. I would look out my kitchen window above the sink. There would be this raven sitting on the railing on the outside deck. We had this wonderful large deck off our flat it wrapped around, east,west and south of our flat along the living room/dining area and to the right outside my kitchen. This raven would greet me every morning and ca ca and I would smile, say good morning and listen. I think he was a male he was pretty big and and colors would reflect on his shiny black feathers. I told my friend Rannveig during coffee snack time one day that this raven visits me nearly every morning and sometimes other times during the day and chats out my kitchen window. Her eyes lit up and she told me I was lucky. He is sharing the latest gossip. Never heard anyone tell me Raven’s were good luck before. After she left I did some research on them. I found out many cultures believe they do show up to let folks know what is going whether it is good or tragic news. They know things.

Well my son was finishing up 1st grade and was speaking Icelandic well enough and would not need special classes to assist with Icelandic anymore so he would have to go to the school near our flat or we would have to find a flat to rent near the school he was attending down by the harbor. In Akureryri , Iceland one school in the city teaches foreign children Icelandic. Once they become fluent enough then they go to their neighborhood school. James did not want to switch schools. So we started looking for a flat near the school. Akureyri does not list rentals like we do in the U.S and realtors don’t have that information either. So, it was becoming a challenge. Our lease was expiring so we had to decide to sign for another year or move James to the school up the street. We really wanted to find a flat near the school he was at. He had made many friends and already adjusted to our move to Iceland and was speaking and reading in Icelandic.

So, one day I look out my window there is my raven friend. He is going on and on. I look at him and ask him how can I find a rental down by the harbor. He chats and flies away. I get dressed and get ready to go out to the store. I hear the raven. He is on the deck talking and excited. I get in the car and he takes off. I follow him. He is flying down towards the harbor. Leads me to a big yellow house, he lands on a red railed deck facing the school across the street that James attended and the fjord that leads to the harbor. He ca’s and flies off towards the fjord. I told a friend about it . She informed me,the people who own the top flat are looking for someone to lease it they are moving to Sweden for a job. She contacted the family and the next day we went to look at it. It was a bigger and a beautiful flat. You come in at the bottom with large place to hang many coats, shelf for hats, gloves, and shoe racks. Then walk a few feet to the stairs. The entire upstairs was a huge flat. Perfect for us. James was so happy he just had to walk across the street to school. My twins, soon to be three year old loved the playground. My husband would just grab the bus up to the University for his job. I enrolled the girls at preschool down a couple blocks. I started writing my magical tales at this home. We were closer to everything, we walked everywhere. Had many gatherings at this home as well. We could see the fishing ships and cruise ships come down the harbor. We would walk down to take a look. The best part the raven often stopped to visit me on the red railing of the deck at this flat too. I thanked him and fell in love with these wonderful creatures.

Hope you enjoyed my raven adventure.

Thanks for dropping in

Enjoy the adventure every day brings you, WB

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Children Books Recent Release and More Magical Adventures!

Good Day Folks!

Today I have decided to talk about my books that I have written and are available.

I have 5 published chapter books for ages 7-12 available now. James and Syvok adventures series is fun filled adventures of a young boy who lives in the Magical Island Iceland. I will start with the most recent one Adventure 5 Sleigh Ride

This is my favorite cover.

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

Amongst the Clouds Amazon link

Amongst the Clouds B&N link

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.

Tomfoolery & 13 Yule Lads of Iceland Amazon link

Tomfoolery & 13 Yule Lads of Iceland B&N nook link

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

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

Helga Returns Amazon Link

Helga Returns B&N Link

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)

James Saves the Moon Amazon Link

James Saves the Moon B&N Link

BookSurf Link

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

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Research/Question Adventure!

Good Day Folks,

James Saves the Moon

Helga Returns

Tomfoolery and 13 Yule Lads of Iceland

Dear Parents, Grandparents, Educators, and shoppers,

We are researching to see how your children find books! Where do you shop for books for your children? And what draws you to a book?

Are there websites you browse? Do you look at book ads, or do you just go to your local store?

How do you feel about supporting local children’s authors? Do you know they exist? Would you buy more local if you had the opportunity?

Please feel free to comment. Thanks!! Thanks for dropping in hope you enjoyed the adventure. Enjoy the adventure every day brings you, WB

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