The Problim Children

The Problim Children by Natalie Lloyd

Even though this was published on January 30, 2018, I read an advance reader's edition. Undoubtedly there are some differences between the version I read and the published edition.

I've also previously read A SNICKER OF MAGIC by Natalie Lloyd, which is why I decided to try out this book.

That being said, an amazon summary, "With a dash of Lemony Snicket, a dollop of the Addams Family, and a hearty dose of adventure, New York Times bestselling author Natalie Lloyd introduces a new series about seven strange and adventurous siblings who tackle problems together—even when their new neighbors try to tear them apart.

Filled with mystery, humor, and adventure, the first book in this new trilogy is an unforgettable tale of adventure, family, and finding the courage to face any problem heart-first.

When the Problim children’s ramshackle bungalow in the Swampy Woods goes kaboom, the seven siblings—each born on a different day of the week—have to move into their grandpa’s bizarre old mansion in Lost Cove. No problem! For the Problim children, every problem is a gift!

But rumors about their family run rampant in the small town: tales of a bitter feud, a hidden treasure, and a certain kind of magic lingering in the halls of #7 Main Street. Their neighbors, the O’Pinions, will do anything to find the secrets lurking inside the Problim household—including sending the seven children to seven different houses on seven different continents!" AMAZON LINK OF JUSTICE

The Problim Children live out in the woods in a house that has just fallen to crumbles. They find a box which reveals a deed to their grandfather's house in the city of Lost Cove. The Problim Children, each born on a different day of the week, along with their pig and venus fly trap, set off to move into the house, moments before it was going to put up for general sale to the residents of Lost Cove. Their new neighbors, the O'Pinions, and in particular, Desdemona has many thoughts of the Problims moving in next door.

The old mansion is full of secrets, and it's up to the Problim Children to find out what hidden magic may be lying in wait for them. Their parents are off traveling for research, and are not around to help the Problim's solve their problems. Nothing to fear though, when all seven children are together, there's nothing they can't do.

...that's enough summary.

So each of the seven problim children have their own unique nuances (like the baby has a wide variety of toots at his disposal to communicate) and they shine through quite well. There's always a unique hint of magic floating around the Problim children who embrace being odd, different, or dare I say weird as their lifestyle. Which is delightful, but with their attitudes, can lead to some fantastic things.

I liked the story overall, and I would be curious to read the sequel, but sometimes I though the antics of the problim children hindered the story instead of help progress it.

All seven children were well represented, but I would be curious to see more about Mona and less about the twins. Maybe the next book will shift focus.

I really loved this one line in the book, "Make your life the best story you'll ever tell," Page 263 of the advance reader's edition. I'm curious to see what stories the problim children will tell.

Happy reading!