3.5 out of 5 stars
When their house in the swamp explodes, the seven Problim children have no choice but to move into their grandfather’s abandoned home in the city. But when they move in, the neighbors do not seem too happy. Then, rumors of an old feud and a mysterious treasure come to light, and the children realize their grumpy neighbor next door wants nothing more than to have the Problim children removed, and the house all to herself.

What I liked: Interesting story line. I enjoyed the plot and wondered throughout the book about the feud and the treasure. Great interactions with the neighbors, both adults and children. Some sweet, heartwarming moments.

What I didn’t like: too many characters. I never felt like I connected with any of the characters, and some of them were a bit two-dimensional. The ending was a disappointment simply because nothing was resolved. I understand this is the first book of a series, but the reader still needs some kind of closure.

The writing was solid and the characters unique, but I just didn’t get into the book like I wanted to. ( )

I don't know if this book is truly fantasy, but you need to suspend belief to have any hope of enjoying it. I think kids will enjoy it more than adults. The nonsense factor is too high for my liking.

Everything in this book happens in multiples of 7. There are 7 Problim children, each born on a different day of the week. They live in the swamp, cared for by the oldest sibling, Sundae, born on a Sunday. Their parents have been gone for 7 weeks on an archeology trip (Belief Suspension #1). Mona, born on Monday, somehow manages to blow up the house (BS #2). Luckily, Sundae has the deed to their grandfather's house in Lost Cove, 7 miles away. Off they go, with their pet pig (BS #3), to reclaim the house. Meanwhile, baby Toot, born on Tuesday, farts all day long and Sundae has cataloged the farts by name and smell (BS #4). Wendell Wednesday and Thea Thursday are twins. Both are insecure. They've drifted apart while Thea tries to figure out her place in the family. Frida talks in riddles (BS #5) and Sal grows creepy plants (BS #6). Sundae, at the beginning of the week, is the ultra positive sibling, while Sal, at the end, is the skeptical sibling.

They arrive in Lost Cove to find a large group of people standing outside 7 Main Street. It's about to go up for auction and Desdemona O'Pinion wants the house. The children present the deed and are given 21 days (7 x 3) to prove their identity or track down their parents. Desdemona hopes they will fail and be relocated to 7 different continents by the Society for the Protection of Unwanted Children. To her dismay, they are allowed to move into the house (BS #7), where both Desdemona and the children believe a treasure exists. Desdemona wants to get her hands on it first. She does everything she can to smear the Problim name and sabotage the integrity of the house so they have to move out.

In the end, no treasure is found. However, the hunt isn't finished. Apparently, that will continue in the next book. The children are a weird, friendly, creative bunch. Definitely unlike any characters I've run across before. You have to give it to Lloyd on creativity and positive message. The positive message is the power of family. This is one tight group. I just prefer books a little more grounded in reality. ( )

Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Great
Recommended: Yes
Level: Middle School
Fun mystery, very similar to Lemony Snicket’s style of story telling. Readers looking for a humorous adventure story will love this one. Each of the Problim children are unique but it is how they use their individuality to work together that makes them special. I loved the child who spoke in rhyme and the baby who communicated through toots (explained in end notes). The story started off a bit slow and it took getting through some set up before getting to the real mystery. But what I most enjoyed wasn't the suspense of the msyerty but the relationships and fun between the siblings. The adventure has just begun, and that cliff hanger ending makes me want to read more! ( )

The Problim Children
By
Natalie Lloyd

What it's all about...

Oh my...there are seven Problim children happily living in their swampy house in the swampy woods until it blows up. The children are alone...Sundae...the eldest...is in charge and each Problim has a special skill. Oh...Toot...the baby...has a flatulence problem. So...after the swampy explosion they are off to the next town to live in their grandfather’s house...little did they know just how unwelcome they would be there. The loudest mouth in the neighborhood...Mrs. O’Pinion...wants their house and wants them gone...all seven Problim children scattered to seven different faraway places.

Why I wanted to read it...

I loved the cover, loved the story and loved the humor in this awesome middle school book.

What made me truly enjoy this book...

Again..the humor...subtle...the storyline...clever...and the way this book just came together.

Why you should read it, too...

Readers who love fantasy and humor and an imaginative story...will love this book. It will help if you learn to love numbered flatulence incidents...thanks to Baby Toot!

I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it. ( )