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David Baddiel

The Parent Agency Hardcover – May 3, 2016

by David Baddiel (Author), Jim Field (Illustrator)

4.5 3,875 ratings

Part of: David Baddiel (9 books)

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A boy travels to an alternate world where kids get to choose their own parents in this zany, internationally bestselling adventure, which combines the be-careful-what-you-wish-for humor of The Chocolate Touch with the classic appeal of Roald Dahl.

Barry Bennett is sick of his parents. They’re boring, they’re too strict, and it’s their fault his name is Barry. So he makes a wish for better ones—and is whisked away to the Parent Agency, where kids get to pick out their perfect parents.

For Barry, this seems like a dream come true. But as he’s about to discover, choosing a new mom and dad isn’t as simple as it sounds…

The Parent Agency is the first children’s book by British author and comedian David Baddiel, and it includes illustrations by Roald Dahl Funny Prize–winning artist Jim Field.

Reading age

8 - 12 years
Part of series

David Baddiel
Print length

384 pages
Language

English
Grade level

3 - 7
Lexile measure

700L
Dimensions

1.4 x 5.8 x 8.7 inches
Publisher

HarperCollins
Publication date

May 3, 2016
ISBN-10

0062405446
ISBN-13

978-0062405449
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David Baddiel
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3–5—Barry Bennett is not happy with his parents. In fact, he blames them for so many bad things in his life that he keeps a list hidden under his pillow. His parents are poor, boring, tired, and really, really strict. He hates that they named him Barry instead of something cool like his friends, Jake, Lukas, and Taj. On top of all that, they are always much nicer to his twin sisters than to him. But his biggest gripe is that they never make his birthday good enough. Six days before he turns 10, Barry gets grounded for having a tantrum. He fumes in his bedroom and wishes for better parents. Suddenly, he is transported to another world and finds himself at the TPA (The Parent Agency), where children get to choose their parents. The agency places him with parents each day based on the criteria from his list. But finding the best parents is harder than Barry thought. This story is a good jumping-off point for chapter book readers who want to expand into full-length novels. It is broken down into short chapters that are full of adventure. Ample black-and-white drawings throughout make this title appealing to graphic novel fans as well. VERDICT The underlying lesson about learning to appreciate what you have—and being careful what you wish for—is good discussion fodder for this age group; a solid additional purchase for middle grade collections.—Annette Herbert, F. E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NY

Review

“This best-selling British import is a hilarious, fast-paced read perfect for middle-graders who like their stories on the silly side.” — ALA Booklist

“A good jumping-off point for chapter book readers who want to expand into full-length novels. Full of adventure.” — School Library Journal

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins (May 3, 2016)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062405446
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062405449
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 700L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 1.4 x 5.8 x 8.7 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,672,987 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #5,710 in Children's Parents Books
- #29,729 in Children's Humor
- #31,701 in Children's Fantasy & Magic Books

Customer Reviews:
4.5 3,875 ratings

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4.5 out of 5

3,875 global ratings

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Amazon Customer

The parent agency

Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2020

Verified Purchase

It was so much fun to read! I just might apply to the parent agency my self! Read it now!

Helpful

Christine F. Bonham

He has a lot of good books.

Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2019

Verified Purchase

He thinks he has mean parents and wants to trade them in. It is a funny book

Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2018

Verified Purchase

My 9yr old son really enjoys all the books from this author. He’s looking forward to the next ones

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Rosemary K.

Are you parents sooo boring? Are they too strict

Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2016

Are you parents sooo boring? Are they too strict? Like your brother/sister/dog better than you? Not wealthy enough to give you the lifestyle you want to become accustomed to? What would you do if you could pick your own parents: what would be on your wish list? Barry Bennett feels the same way. His parents are too boring, they’re not rich, they’re strict, they named him Barry, and after they mess up his perfect idea of a James Bond birthday, he’s fed up. He wishes he had new parents, and finds himself transported to an a parallel universe, where an organization called The Parent Agency helps kids test drive and select the perfect parents for them. The thing is, picking parents out, even when you have an incredibly detailed list of demands? Not as easy as you’d think.

The Parent Agency is a fun book, with a premise all kids will appreciate: kids who want new parents. Parents that will let them do anything, get anything, be anything they want, but there’s always a catch. Kids learn that just because someone looks good on paper doesn’t mean that they’ll be as wonderful in reality. Barry meets parents who fit a certain mold, but they expect their children to fit into that mold, too – and who wants to do that? That whole unconditional love business comes into play, and gives Barry the wake-up call he needs.

Kids will get a good laugh out of the book – the laid back, hippie parents gave me some laugh-out-loud moments, as did the talking posters in Barry’s room. Jim Field’s black and white illustrations throughout add to the laughs. Booktalk this one with The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling and Judy Blume’s Freckle Juice for “the other side isn’t always greener” type reading. Ask kids to come up with their own Parent Agency lists, and try to debunk them – playing devil’s advocate can be fun!

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Sally Akins

A fun book which will help to keep children engaged and enjoying books.

Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2015

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of 'The Parent Agency'* for review purposes, but the opinions in this post are honest and unbiased.

Barry Bennett hates being called Barry, it's not a cool name for a nearly 10 year old. He also hates his parents always being tired and boring. When he wishes for better parents, he is transported to the United Kid-dom. This is a world where children can choose the parents they want from 'The Parent Agency'. He gets to try out various sets of parents, before deciding the ones he wants to spend the rest of his life with.

OK, so the concept of a child being dissatisfied with their life and being transported to a different life is not exactly original. There have been quite a few films and books which use this as their plotline, for example Big, Vice Versa, Freaky Friday. It's an idea which probably appeals to most children at some point in their lives!

My very-nearly 12 year old son Lyle is fairly reluctant when it comes to reading fiction, but he was pretty keen to get his hands on this book. He's really been enjoying it and told me:

This book is really good fun, I'm enjoying the story and the cartoons in it are great as well. I think it would be great for kids up to my kind of age, and I think some older kids would enjoy it as well. Don't worry, I don't want to pick any new parents!!

I also love Jim Field's illustrations which appear throughout the book. I particularly like the map of 'Youngdon' where Oxford Circus is actually a circus, and Nelson's Column has a statue of Nelson from the Simpsons. The cartoons add to the book without disrupting the flow of the story.

I'm always happy to see books which keep kids interested in reading, especially pre-teen boys who can so easily drift away from reading as a pastime. I was a very keen reader as a child, and as an adult it is one of my favourite ways to relax. In 'The Parent Agency' I think David Baddiel has come up with a book which will help to keep children engaged and enjoying books.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Charity Martinez

Fun to Read

Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2016

For full review please search "5 Girls Book Reviews" in a search engine and/or Facebook

REVIEW BY: Angel, age 13 years, 11 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book was loads of fun to read, and it was just as sweet.

I really enjoyed this book because everyone needs to know that your parents will always love you.

This book was about a boy named Barry and his birthday is coming up but his parents won't listen to what he wants! As a last resort he wishes for new parents and he winds up in Youngdow where kids are the boss. Barry lands up at THE PARENT AGENCY where in 5 days he has to pick a new set of perfect parents.

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Meysam_A

Great book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2023

Verified Purchase

My daughter and I are reading this book. Its is funny and emotional the same time. We haven't finished yet, but already like it.

Shweta

Keep writing!!!!

Reviewed in India on February 15, 2023

Verified Purchase

I loved the part where he found out about the parent agency. The book was amazing. Keep writing David! Amazing!

Rosemary Blake

Interesting premise

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 5, 2022

Verified Purchase

So the parents apply for children, and act like children in central London. I read some of this at bedtime, to my ten year old granddaughter. She was interested, but she didn't ask if she could have one to continue reading when she got home. I found it tedious.

Karen Ryan

Great And David Baddiel

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 15, 2020

Verified Purchase

uh definitely a mind whopper great story line and a great book overall :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) name not.so much greatness i mean if you want to entertain children you have to have names like Jonathan, Michael, Patrick and Daniel

One person found this helpful

JA

Best Book EVER!!!!!!!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 1, 2021

Verified Purchase

This is a funny and interesting book. Another amazing book by David Baddiel. When I was reading this book always put a smile on my face. It is just so heartwarming and it really made me feel happy. Though some names were hard to read altogether this book was fantastic!!
I recommened this book to 8-10 year old as it might be a bit hard to understand.
Written by 10 year old.

2 people found this helpful

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The Parent Agency Hardcover – May 3, 2016

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