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The Blockbuster Baddiel Box
The Parent Agency
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.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2014
About the author
David Baddiel
83 books381 followersDavid Lionel Baddiel is an English comedian, novelist and television presenter. Baddiel was born in New York, and moved to England when he was four months old. He grew up in grew up in Dollis Hill, Willesden, North London.
After studying at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree, he read English at King's College, Cambridge and graduated with a double first. He began studies for a PhD in English at University College London, but did not complete it.
Baddiel became a cabaret stand-up comedian after leaving university and also wrote sketches and jokes for various radio series. His first television appearance came in a bit-part on one episode of the showbiz satire, Filthy, Rich and Catflap. In 1988, he was introduced to Rob Newman, a comic impressionist, and the two became a writing partnership. They were subsequently paired up with the partnership of Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis for a new topical comedy show for BBC Radio 1 called The Mary Whitehouse Experience, and its success led to a transfer to television, shooting Baddiel to fame.
He has written four novels: Time for Bed, Whatever Love Means, The Secret Purposes and The Death of Eli Gold.
Baddiel has two children, both born in Westminster, London, with his girlfriend, Morwenna Banks.
After studying at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree, he read English at King's College, Cambridge and graduated with a double first. He began studies for a PhD in English at University College London, but did not complete it.
Baddiel became a cabaret stand-up comedian after leaving university and also wrote sketches and jokes for various radio series. His first television appearance came in a bit-part on one episode of the showbiz satire, Filthy, Rich and Catflap. In 1988, he was introduced to Rob Newman, a comic impressionist, and the two became a writing partnership. They were subsequently paired up with the partnership of Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis for a new topical comedy show for BBC Radio 1 called The Mary Whitehouse Experience, and its success led to a transfer to television, shooting Baddiel to fame.
He has written four novels: Time for Bed, Whatever Love Means, The Secret Purposes and The Death of Eli Gold.
Baddiel has two children, both born in Westminster, London, with his girlfriend, Morwenna Banks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
February 4, 2020
Pais e Filhos — Esses Eternos Desconhecidos
Barry detesta chamar-se Barry e tem como irmãs um par de gémeas identicas sonsas, que designa abreviadamente por GIS -- a G1 e a G2 , cuja simples existência detesta reconhecer!
E pior que tudo, desejava pais diferentes -- daqueles que organizam festas fabulosas, que compram a capa do edredão do Lionel Messi, que são glamorosos, ricos, divertidos, famosos, ...
E seria tão bom se a mãe algum dia desistisse aquele lugar vitalício atrás da máquina de lavar loiça, onde a sua voz se mistura com um medley de pratos, tachos e panelas.
Enfim!... A intensidade do seu desejo foi tal, que o levou a uma Agência de Pais, a abarrotar de casais anafados, que o cercaram mal o viram, desatando numa gritaria infernal --- "escolhe-nos, escolhe-nos, escolhe-nos...", imploravam eles em altos berros!
Bem!... E tudo o mais é estória, que não irei contar!...
No cômputo geral, "Agência de Pais" é uma caricatura do relacionamento (ou da falta dele) entre pais e filhos.
Pais que teimam em não conhecer os filhos, que educam impondo a sua lei, estão a criar filhos carentes e revoltados.
O amor não flui entre desconhecidos, e a felicidade não acontece no amor ausente!
Tudo vai mal se pais e filhos não se conhecem!
Porém, havendo empenho, as soluções aparecem! 👍
"Agência de Pais" é um livro destinado a jovens muito jovens, que pode ser igualmente aproveitado por adultos, pois embora divertido, ocupa-se dum tema sério.
Numa escrita leve e jocosa, é ideal para intercalar com outras leituras mais pesadas!😍👍
Barry detesta chamar-se Barry e tem como irmãs um par de gémeas identicas sonsas, que designa abreviadamente por GIS -- a G1 e a G2 , cuja simples existência detesta reconhecer!
E pior que tudo, desejava pais diferentes -- daqueles que organizam festas fabulosas, que compram a capa do edredão do Lionel Messi, que são glamorosos, ricos, divertidos, famosos, ...
E seria tão bom se a mãe algum dia desistisse aquele lugar vitalício atrás da máquina de lavar loiça, onde a sua voz se mistura com um medley de pratos, tachos e panelas.
Enfim!... A intensidade do seu desejo foi tal, que o levou a uma Agência de Pais, a abarrotar de casais anafados, que o cercaram mal o viram, desatando numa gritaria infernal --- "escolhe-nos, escolhe-nos, escolhe-nos...", imploravam eles em altos berros!
Bem!... E tudo o mais é estória, que não irei contar!...
No cômputo geral, "Agência de Pais" é uma caricatura do relacionamento (ou da falta dele) entre pais e filhos.
Pais que teimam em não conhecer os filhos, que educam impondo a sua lei, estão a criar filhos carentes e revoltados.
O amor não flui entre desconhecidos, e a felicidade não acontece no amor ausente!
Tudo vai mal se pais e filhos não se conhecem!
Porém, havendo empenho, as soluções aparecem! 👍
"Agência de Pais" é um livro destinado a jovens muito jovens, que pode ser igualmente aproveitado por adultos, pois embora divertido, ocupa-se dum tema sério.
Numa escrita leve e jocosa, é ideal para intercalar com outras leituras mais pesadas!😍👍
February 8, 2017
“What would you like for lunch?”
“Hmm,” said Barry. “Pizza?”
“Oh well, you’ve made a mistake there,” said Secretary One smugly. “We only ever eat gluten-free, free-range, nut-free, free-from-E-numbers, salt-and-sugar-free food.”
“Yes, our food is very, very free,” said Secretary Two. “Except, of course, it costs a lot of money.”
“Hmm,” said Barry. “Pizza?”
“Oh well, you’ve made a mistake there,” said Secretary One smugly. “We only ever eat gluten-free, free-range, nut-free, free-from-E-numbers, salt-and-sugar-free food.”
“Yes, our food is very, very free,” said Secretary Two. “Except, of course, it costs a lot of money.”
December 18, 2019
Edit: 18-12-2019. Decided to do a reread since it has been almost 5 years (!!!) since I last read it!
I didn't like the MC that much but it was still a very fun re-read and I may write a re-read review when I feel up to it/feel better.
My 3-star rating has mostly to do with our main character. Other than that the book was really interesting and I like the idea of a Parent Agency.
Let's start with the main character. I just didn't like him. I found him whiny and pathetic. Never once thinking about his parents. They did their best for him and his siblings, but they just didn't have a lot of money and thus they had to say no to him. But yet he kept complaining and whining and acting all mean towards his sisters and his parents.
Luckily, he changes a bit throughout the book. Learning that having money, or fame or anything else he had on his list isn't everything. I was worried he would be happy and delighted to find a world where he can ask for any parent and that he would just forget all about his parents. Thankfully, this doesn't happen.
I really liked the various days/parents. They were all hilarious, though I wonder how they ever would get to be parents. Especially the rich and famous pairs were just a bit too much.
I loved the world that our main character lands in. I found it really interesting that there would be a world where kids pick their own parents. Where there is an agency that handles all the applications and that such an agency is run fully by kids.
I loved the little twist near the end. I didn't see that coming, so I was happily surprised.
All in all, I would still recommend the book, even though the main character might annoy you at times.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I didn't like the MC that much but it was still a very fun re-read and I may write a re-read review when I feel up to it/feel better.
My 3-star rating has mostly to do with our main character. Other than that the book was really interesting and I like the idea of a Parent Agency.
Let's start with the main character. I just didn't like him. I found him whiny and pathetic. Never once thinking about his parents. They did their best for him and his siblings, but they just didn't have a lot of money and thus they had to say no to him. But yet he kept complaining and whining and acting all mean towards his sisters and his parents.
Luckily, he changes a bit throughout the book. Learning that having money, or fame or anything else he had on his list isn't everything. I was worried he would be happy and delighted to find a world where he can ask for any parent and that he would just forget all about his parents. Thankfully, this doesn't happen.
I really liked the various days/parents. They were all hilarious, though I wonder how they ever would get to be parents. Especially the rich and famous pairs were just a bit too much.
I loved the world that our main character lands in. I found it really interesting that there would be a world where kids pick their own parents. Where there is an agency that handles all the applications and that such an agency is run fully by kids.
I loved the little twist near the end. I didn't see that coming, so I was happily surprised.
All in all, I would still recommend the book, even though the main character might annoy you at times.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 23, 2015
Review by Jack 9:6
The Parent Agency is a children’s comedy book, which in my opinion is suitable for all ages. The author is a comedian but the book does not have many laugh-out-loud moments, mostly using more subtle humour. The story follows a normal boy named Barry, who hates his parents. When he screams, “I hate my parents!” after being sent to his room he is teleported to a world where children choose their parents. He trials five sets of parents, one per day.
Barry chooses each trial set of parents as the opposite to something he really hates about his own. So, he tries rich, famous, fit and not strict parents, as well as some were he is the favourite child. He, the parents or both are left dissatisfied after each day and as his tenth birthday (upon which something awful happens if he has not decided) looms he is still unsure.
My favourite character is TSE (The Sisterly/Secretary Entity) who are constantly annoyingly efficient, driving Barry insane. The way they always think exactly alike and interrupt each other is one of the funniest elements of the book. The part I like best is the time he spends with the celebrity couple, “Vlassorina”, a singer (Morrisina – sponsored by Morrison’s) and an actor (Vlad). Specifically, the end of his time with them when he humiliates them publicly – something they are not used to at all.
There are really very few problems with this book. Although it uses the infamous “and then I woke up” style ending, it is done very well and is not an issue. The novel could make more use of the parallel universe element in the parent agency world, by making the boss and Jake act more alike, PCs 890 and 891 behave more like Luke and Tajas, or by introducing some of Barry’s trial parents in the real world. Also, as an older reader I found some language a little childish and the font size too big, although this is just me.
I would definitely read another book by this author and I have already recommended it to a lot of my friends. As I have said, I believe all ages can enjoy this book, although it is probably ideal for those at around Barry’s age which is 9-10. There is absolutely no issue with the language used in this book as the worst word used is “bum”. I would give the book 5/5 stars.
The Parent Agency is a children’s comedy book, which in my opinion is suitable for all ages. The author is a comedian but the book does not have many laugh-out-loud moments, mostly using more subtle humour. The story follows a normal boy named Barry, who hates his parents. When he screams, “I hate my parents!” after being sent to his room he is teleported to a world where children choose their parents. He trials five sets of parents, one per day.
Barry chooses each trial set of parents as the opposite to something he really hates about his own. So, he tries rich, famous, fit and not strict parents, as well as some were he is the favourite child. He, the parents or both are left dissatisfied after each day and as his tenth birthday (upon which something awful happens if he has not decided) looms he is still unsure.
My favourite character is TSE (The Sisterly/Secretary Entity) who are constantly annoyingly efficient, driving Barry insane. The way they always think exactly alike and interrupt each other is one of the funniest elements of the book. The part I like best is the time he spends with the celebrity couple, “Vlassorina”, a singer (Morrisina – sponsored by Morrison’s) and an actor (Vlad). Specifically, the end of his time with them when he humiliates them publicly – something they are not used to at all.
There are really very few problems with this book. Although it uses the infamous “and then I woke up” style ending, it is done very well and is not an issue. The novel could make more use of the parallel universe element in the parent agency world, by making the boss and Jake act more alike, PCs 890 and 891 behave more like Luke and Tajas, or by introducing some of Barry’s trial parents in the real world. Also, as an older reader I found some language a little childish and the font size too big, although this is just me.
I would definitely read another book by this author and I have already recommended it to a lot of my friends. As I have said, I believe all ages can enjoy this book, although it is probably ideal for those at around Barry’s age which is 9-10. There is absolutely no issue with the language used in this book as the worst word used is “bum”. I would give the book 5/5 stars.
January 11, 2019
Vairāk didaktiska nevis smieklīga, bet mazajiem klausītājiem patika. Vienu zvaigzni no viņu vērtējuma noņēmu, līdzsvaram.
November 21, 2020
Be kell vallanom, hogy bár a történet kiváló és rengeteg ötlet van benne, nekem az elején nagyon nem tetszett Barry alakja. Nehéz volt vele szimpatizálni, s igazán reméltem, hogy jól megtanulja a leckét, hogy értékelni kell azt, ami van, jelen esetben a családját. De lehet, csak a túl szigorú szülő beszélt itt belőlem Amúgy szörnyen élveztem a regény humorát. Nem kikacsintós, vagyis nem megy kárára a történetnek, meg a korosztály-besorolásnak, de azért jókat lehet somolyogni a szülőtípusokon, gazdagékon, híreséken, fittéken, lazáékon stb., mert nem egy jellemvonás vagy jelenet eléggé olyan, ami a felnőtteket figurázza ki és nekünk is szól, hogy néha bizony túlzásba tudunk esni és elfelejtjük, hogy mi a legfontosabb a családban: a szeretet. Kimondottan jópofa volt Youngdon és az ottani elnevezések, valamint a kiváló illusztrációk (Jim Field kezét dicséri) mellett feltétlenül ki kell emelni a fordítást is, ugyanis rendkívül szellemes magyar megoldások lettek találva az angol eredetik helyére is.
Mivel a könyv gyors, rövid fejezetekre van osztva, igazán könnyen olvasható a célkorosztály számára is, ugyanakkor közös esti meséknek is megfelel pont a pörgős felosztás és kalandok miatt.
Részletek: http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
Mivel a könyv gyors, rövid fejezetekre van osztva, igazán könnyen olvasható a célkorosztály számára is, ugyanakkor közös esti meséknek is megfelel pont a pörgős felosztás és kalandok miatt.
Részletek: http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
November 20, 2016
Аз съм голяма фен на детски книжки и от време на време се отдавам на книжка за по-малките читатели и обикновено съм доста доволна. Този път обаче не съвсем.
Допадна ми главната идея за недоволно дете, което се оплаква от родителите си поради ред причини, но при шанса да получи други, той научава, че всъщност неговите въобще не са толкова лоши, а напротив - чудесни!
Самата екзекуция и стилът на писане не ми допаднаха толкова много, но това определено не трябва да се приема като голям минус, защото на по-малките няма да им направи впечатление това :)
Допадна ми главната идея за недоволно дете, което се оплаква от родителите си поради ред причини, но при шанса да получи други, той научава, че всъщност неговите въобще не са толкова лоши, а напротив - чудесни!
Самата екзекуция и стилът на писане не ми допаднаха толкова много, но това определено не трябва да се приема като голям минус, защото на по-малките няма да им направи впечатление това :)
September 2, 2018
Definitely interesting!!!
August 15, 2018
It was times when it tried too hard to be funny and for me it was a bit predictable and easy to see what was going to happen. Its funny though and I think for sure that some kids will love it. Its just lacking something to make it a bit more complex, its all very straightforward in a way.
August 22, 2021
Barry likes football (especially if Lionel Messi's playing), James Bond and lists. He doesn't like his two sisters, who tease him mercilessly and get away with all sorts of meanness right under his parents' noses. All his mates have cool names and even cooler parents, and their tenth birthday parties were amazing. His family, on the other hand, just can't manage the simplest thing he asks of them. He knows they're not well off, and he doesn't blame them for that, exactly, but going up to double figures is a big deal and deep in his heart he really does feel they could make a bit more effort. Well, actually, a lot more effort.
So when frustration with his family leads him to misbehave and he's banished to his room, he is ready and willing for a change. Somehow, with the help of his heroes Bond and Messi, he's whisked away to a land where parents don't have children as a right, but have to beg, bribe or plead their way to a family, and he feels things are going his way at last. In this new and exciting world it's the children who get to choose, and he sets out with great enthusiasm to road-test a few couples for twenty-four hours to see if they're the people he wants to spend his life with. Oddly enough, as he moves from home to home, the same people keep turning up in the background, including a man and woman who seem vaguely familiar. . .
Once the basic premise is established, there aren't many surprises in this story, nor is the outcome of his searching really in doubt. Even the children who run the Parent Agency, and who somehow look just like people he thinks he used to know, begin to find him a teensy bit too demanding. The pleasure of this story lies in the comic excesses of the parents he chooses, and their frantic, over-the-top efforts to persuade him to stay with them. He makes his choice of five pairs of candidates based on the fact that they are the exact opposite of his parents' worst shortcomings, and he soon finds himself surrounded by offers of wealth, fame and freedom. Readers will laugh out loud at the ridiculous situations he gets himself into, the eccentricity of the adults, and the abundance of smelliness, stickiness and general gloopiness. After all, if in doubt, throw in a bucket of sick or a cow-pat!
There is, of course, a happy ending (some readers may feel a happier one that Barry deserves) and while the moral of the story is somewhat transparent, the energy and enthusiasm of the story-telling compensate to a large extent. It's funny and silly, and will, at the very least, while away a wet afternoon.
So when frustration with his family leads him to misbehave and he's banished to his room, he is ready and willing for a change. Somehow, with the help of his heroes Bond and Messi, he's whisked away to a land where parents don't have children as a right, but have to beg, bribe or plead their way to a family, and he feels things are going his way at last. In this new and exciting world it's the children who get to choose, and he sets out with great enthusiasm to road-test a few couples for twenty-four hours to see if they're the people he wants to spend his life with. Oddly enough, as he moves from home to home, the same people keep turning up in the background, including a man and woman who seem vaguely familiar. . .
Once the basic premise is established, there aren't many surprises in this story, nor is the outcome of his searching really in doubt. Even the children who run the Parent Agency, and who somehow look just like people he thinks he used to know, begin to find him a teensy bit too demanding. The pleasure of this story lies in the comic excesses of the parents he chooses, and their frantic, over-the-top efforts to persuade him to stay with them. He makes his choice of five pairs of candidates based on the fact that they are the exact opposite of his parents' worst shortcomings, and he soon finds himself surrounded by offers of wealth, fame and freedom. Readers will laugh out loud at the ridiculous situations he gets himself into, the eccentricity of the adults, and the abundance of smelliness, stickiness and general gloopiness. After all, if in doubt, throw in a bucket of sick or a cow-pat!
There is, of course, a happy ending (some readers may feel a happier one that Barry deserves) and while the moral of the story is somewhat transparent, the energy and enthusiasm of the story-telling compensate to a large extent. It's funny and silly, and will, at the very least, while away a wet afternoon.
February 6, 2022
This book is not only funny but also has a very meaningful message to it. Though, I mostly liked it because it's funny. So, it basically talks about a boy called Barry Bennett who wished he had better parents, though he won't fit with other people because...well...I think it's because he lived with them his whole and is used to living with them so...yeah. He even made a whole list of what he don't like of his parents.
And...after an argument of his father getting the wrong present for his birthday, he ran up the stairs and fell. It's basically lke this:
Barry's mind: He went up to his room and the posters on his room magically started talking.
What actually happened: He slipped on the stairs and fell into a coma for 5 days.
Anyways, I really don't remember what's on the list, but here's what I remember:
Barry wished he had....
-Rich parents
-Famous parents
-Sporty parents
-Being the favorite kid
And, in his coma, he dreamed that he had these sets of parents, and in the end, he realised that parents don't love one kid more than the other, but they love them in different ways. Okay, I'm getting into my lazy phase now. Barry woke up and got the birthday present he wanted and I think you understand what happened.
Now, I'm soory if you don't understand anything that I'm talking about. I'm bad at explaining stuff. And sorry for sounding tired. I'm kinda "forced" to write a book review because if I don't, I can't be on Goodreads anymore...so please understand me. AnYwAy, that's it? I guess?
Au revoir!
Your lazy booknerd,
Sophie~
And...after an argument of his father getting the wrong present for his birthday, he ran up the stairs and fell. It's basically lke this:
Barry's mind: He went up to his room and the posters on his room magically started talking.
What actually happened: He slipped on the stairs and fell into a coma for 5 days.
Anyways, I really don't remember what's on the list, but here's what I remember:
Barry wished he had....
-Rich parents
-Famous parents
-Sporty parents
-Being the favorite kid
And, in his coma, he dreamed that he had these sets of parents, and in the end, he realised that parents don't love one kid more than the other, but they love them in different ways. Okay, I'm getting into my lazy phase now. Barry woke up and got the birthday present he wanted and I think you understand what happened.
Now, I'm soory if you don't understand anything that I'm talking about. I'm bad at explaining stuff. And sorry for sounding tired. I'm kinda "forced" to write a book review because if I don't, I can't be on Goodreads anymore...so please understand me. AnYwAy, that's it? I guess?
Au revoir!
Your lazy booknerd,
Sophie~
June 5, 2017
Ich habe von Baddiel vor vielen Jahren mal ein Buch gelesen, dessen Titel und Inhalt ich zwar erst wieder nachforschen müsste, das mit aber als wunderbar leicht, witzig in Erinnerung geblieben ist.
Jetzt habe ich gesehen,dass es da ein Kinderbuch von ihm gibt und wollte es mal für meine Kinder antesten.
Der Anfang ist auch vielversprechend: Barry ist ein beinah 10jähriger Junge, der sich von seinen Eltern gegenüber den Schwestern benachteiligt fühlt, seinen Namen hasst und auch sonst so einiges an seinen Eltern auszusetzen hat.
Nach einem besonders schlimmen Streit wird er plötzlich in ein Paralleluniversum teleportiert, in dem er sich seine Eltern aussuchen kann....
Und so originell die Idee mit der Elternorganisation auch ist, mir war das alles dann doch zu viel Klamauk, der zumindest bei !einen Kindern auch nicht funktionieren würde,weil sie die ganzen Anspielungen auf die Popkultur gar nicht verstehen würden,während ich als Erwachsene sie zu aufdringlich und übertrieben fand.
Schade drum.
Jetzt habe ich gesehen,dass es da ein Kinderbuch von ihm gibt und wollte es mal für meine Kinder antesten.
Der Anfang ist auch vielversprechend: Barry ist ein beinah 10jähriger Junge, der sich von seinen Eltern gegenüber den Schwestern benachteiligt fühlt, seinen Namen hasst und auch sonst so einiges an seinen Eltern auszusetzen hat.
Nach einem besonders schlimmen Streit wird er plötzlich in ein Paralleluniversum teleportiert, in dem er sich seine Eltern aussuchen kann....
Und so originell die Idee mit der Elternorganisation auch ist, mir war das alles dann doch zu viel Klamauk, der zumindest bei !einen Kindern auch nicht funktionieren würde,weil sie die ganzen Anspielungen auf die Popkultur gar nicht verstehen würden,während ich als Erwachsene sie zu aufdringlich und übertrieben fand.
Schade drum.
February 4, 2017
Title: The Parent Agency
Author: David Baddiel
Rating: 8/10
Would you like your parents? Do you wish you could choose your parents? Well, that is what Barry Bennet wanted, and he got it. Barry Bennet is a normal kid, who hates his parents. At first, this seems like a dream come true. But as he’s about to find out that, choosing a new mum and dad isn’t as easy as it sounds…
I loved this book, its funny, witty and has lots of heartwarming moments. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves futuristic books!
Will barry find the parents he wants?
Or is it all just a dream?
Read it to find out!
Happy Reading!
My blog: http://bookreview2191.blogspot.co.uk/
Author: David Baddiel
Rating: 8/10
Would you like your parents? Do you wish you could choose your parents? Well, that is what Barry Bennet wanted, and he got it. Barry Bennet is a normal kid, who hates his parents. At first, this seems like a dream come true. But as he’s about to find out that, choosing a new mum and dad isn’t as easy as it sounds…
I loved this book, its funny, witty and has lots of heartwarming moments. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves futuristic books!
Will barry find the parents he wants?
Or is it all just a dream?
Read it to find out!
Happy Reading!
My blog: http://bookreview2191.blogspot.co.uk/
July 20, 2017
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Barry is just an ordinary boy (he loves Lionel Messi and James Bond) but bored with his ordinary family that he wishes he could swap for another. He is particularly fed up with his younger twin sisters. It is a funny story that often twists your mind as sometimes you are not quite sure what’s going on! I found that, once I had started reading it, I didn’t want to stop. I recommend this book to people below the age of 12 but overall I give it a 9 out of 10.This book was written by David Baddiel
June 26, 2019
This was a very interesting book, i recommend this book for ages 9-12 year. There are some high points of this book and some low points of this book. The high points of this book was when the young boy realizes that non of the parents he met were as good as his own. One of the low points of the book was when i found out he had a list of things he blamed his parents for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2015
My twin boys (8yrs) declared this their favourite book of all time. We read it together at bedtime and every night they begged and pleaded for another chapter. A really enjoyable, funny and moreish read.
December 31, 2018
Bad book
August 28, 2019
This was a very interesting, funny book and i loved reading it. It has a nice storyline and i didn’t want to stop reading it! I recommend to ages 10-13
April 30, 2020
Lâu lâu đọc được cuốn sách thiếu nhi hay ghê á. Nói chung là truyện cho thiếu nhi nên foreshadowing và đoạn kết khá dễ đoán, nhưng không vì thế mà làm giảm sự thú vị và tò mò sau mỗi chương. Và tất nhiên là có bài học đạo đức về gia đình và tình yêu thương giữa các thành viên, dù được thể hiện cách này hay cách khác, được lồng ghép vào rồi.
Về phần dịch và trình bày mình cũng rất ưng luôn. Giấy tốt, minh họa đẹp, bản dịch này cũng rất ổn, nên cuốn sách không có gì để chê :)
Về phần dịch và trình bày mình cũng rất ưng luôn. Giấy tốt, minh họa đẹp, bản dịch này cũng rất ổn, nên cuốn sách không có gì để chê :)
December 17, 2014
4.5 stars.
Well done, David! After a slightly wobbly start for me (silly immature jokes and lists), I quickly saw that this was going to turn into an excellent wish-fulfilment adventure for young readers.
Like the 90s films North (Elijah Wood), Barry decides that he has rubbish parents and wishes he had different ones. He hates his name, he hates them being tired and poor, he hates his younger sisters. Now whether or not the following chapters are somehow real or a dream doesn't really matter. It's very funny and that writing is pretty convincing, as the voice of a not-quite-ten-year-old boy.
The world Baddiel sends Barry into is a scream, with every reference a nod to today's kids - Youngdon is populated by kids who can choose their parents, it's a lot of fun seeing Green Bogey Park and spotting famous names turned into slightly different ones.
Barry goes on his journey to find the best family he can, meeting a menagerie of weird and wonderful parents in this bizarre place who manage to take the mickey out of rich people, celebrity couples, hippies and fitness fanatics. Lots for parents to enjoy.
The illustrations are well spaced out, they don't try to make jokes from themselves as Williams often tries, and Baddiel's humour is also a little more subtle than his celebrity contemporary. He also has a handle on moving endings.
So it's a story that I've seen a couple of times before? Never mind, its fresh in its ideas and not something that's been done to death. Barry is a great lead character, flawed but you can sympathise with his 'plight', a James Bond and football fan who's sick of his sisters ganging up on him and wearing cheap trainers. There's also sympathy for his parents and a good few mentions of their feelings.
Yep, liked this one. Thought I'd be putting it to one side during chapter one, but it saved itself in time.
Would be lots of fun for storytime in class or at home, or great for confident readers of 8/9 to 12.
Hope its not a one-off, Baddiel has talent.
Well done, David! After a slightly wobbly start for me (silly immature jokes and lists), I quickly saw that this was going to turn into an excellent wish-fulfilment adventure for young readers.
Like the 90s films North (Elijah Wood), Barry decides that he has rubbish parents and wishes he had different ones. He hates his name, he hates them being tired and poor, he hates his younger sisters. Now whether or not the following chapters are somehow real or a dream doesn't really matter. It's very funny and that writing is pretty convincing, as the voice of a not-quite-ten-year-old boy.
The world Baddiel sends Barry into is a scream, with every reference a nod to today's kids - Youngdon is populated by kids who can choose their parents, it's a lot of fun seeing Green Bogey Park and spotting famous names turned into slightly different ones.
Barry goes on his journey to find the best family he can, meeting a menagerie of weird and wonderful parents in this bizarre place who manage to take the mickey out of rich people, celebrity couples, hippies and fitness fanatics. Lots for parents to enjoy.
The illustrations are well spaced out, they don't try to make jokes from themselves as Williams often tries, and Baddiel's humour is also a little more subtle than his celebrity contemporary. He also has a handle on moving endings.
So it's a story that I've seen a couple of times before? Never mind, its fresh in its ideas and not something that's been done to death. Barry is a great lead character, flawed but you can sympathise with his 'plight', a James Bond and football fan who's sick of his sisters ganging up on him and wearing cheap trainers. There's also sympathy for his parents and a good few mentions of their feelings.
Yep, liked this one. Thought I'd be putting it to one side during chapter one, but it saved itself in time.
Would be lots of fun for storytime in class or at home, or great for confident readers of 8/9 to 12.
Hope its not a one-off, Baddiel has talent.
April 3, 2019
David Baddiel - Agenzia genitori
Harry ha quasi dieci anni, la sua ribellione verso i genitori è arrivata ad un punto di non ritorno. Sono tutte piccole cose che gli danno fastidio e vorrebbe cambiarle. Non ama i suoi genitori perchè non si sente ricambiato come vorrebbe, lui immagina quello che si aspetta e invece non arriva mai. Una cosa su tutte è la festa di compleanno, lui vorrebbe qualcosa di magnifico, invece è sempre la solita umile festicciola. Vorrebbe qualcosa di meglio, così compila una lista delle cose che vorrebbe. Tra queste c'è anche una descrizione dettagliata di come vorrebbe mamma e papà, il carattere che dovrebbero avere, come dovrebbero comportarsi in fatto di permessi e divieti. La suà volontà eè tale che un giorno all'improvviso si trova catapultatato in un mondo di fantasia dove sarà egli stesso a scegliersi i genitori tramite un'agenzia specializzata. Non mancheranno le proposte di famiglie eccessive, strampalate, super ricche, c'è solo l'imbarazzo della scelta. Dopo qualche giorno di prova Harry potrà decidere se accettare o continuare provare altri genitori. Sembra tutto magnifico, visto che la selezione avviene attraverso le richieste di Harry, ma alla fine di ogni prova si accorge che manca qualcosa, quel qualcosa che solo i suoi veri genitori gli hanno saputo dare.
Harry ha quasi dieci anni, la sua ribellione verso i genitori è arrivata ad un punto di non ritorno. Sono tutte piccole cose che gli danno fastidio e vorrebbe cambiarle. Non ama i suoi genitori perchè non si sente ricambiato come vorrebbe, lui immagina quello che si aspetta e invece non arriva mai. Una cosa su tutte è la festa di compleanno, lui vorrebbe qualcosa di magnifico, invece è sempre la solita umile festicciola. Vorrebbe qualcosa di meglio, così compila una lista delle cose che vorrebbe. Tra queste c'è anche una descrizione dettagliata di come vorrebbe mamma e papà, il carattere che dovrebbero avere, come dovrebbero comportarsi in fatto di permessi e divieti. La suà volontà eè tale che un giorno all'improvviso si trova catapultatato in un mondo di fantasia dove sarà egli stesso a scegliersi i genitori tramite un'agenzia specializzata. Non mancheranno le proposte di famiglie eccessive, strampalate, super ricche, c'è solo l'imbarazzo della scelta. Dopo qualche giorno di prova Harry potrà decidere se accettare o continuare provare altri genitori. Sembra tutto magnifico, visto che la selezione avviene attraverso le richieste di Harry, ma alla fine di ogni prova si accorge che manca qualcosa, quel qualcosa che solo i suoi veri genitori gli hanno saputo dare.
October 16, 2021
I don't know whether me saying that I only know this guy from Horrible Histories makes me dumb or not, but either way, he should have stuck to telling stories on there.
The parent agency is a pretty terrible book for a number of reasons.
1: The plot. I will not go into it, so as not to spoil anything for those people who still want to read this book after my downpour of hate onto it, but this book's plot sucks.
2: The parents: Not one of the parents the main character chooses seem to have anything appealing going for them. Most of them seem like they are on some sort of hard medication, even breaching the legal stuff. Two of the many parents here definitely are on someone illegal. They seem like the most normal out of them.
3: The writing: When you think of an outstanding book, you may think of A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, or maybe even The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. All of these have amazing writing in them, perfectly crafted so that the reader feels immersed. But this pile of junk has none of that. I'm sorry that I seem so angry about this book, but the writing is just lazy. It makes David Walliams' books seem like Romeo and Juliet.
Thanks for reading my review, bye.
PS, sorry for any spelling mistakes that there may be. ":)
The parent agency is a pretty terrible book for a number of reasons.
1: The plot. I will not go into it, so as not to spoil anything for those people who still want to read this book after my downpour of hate onto it, but this book's plot sucks.
2: The parents: Not one of the parents the main character chooses seem to have anything appealing going for them. Most of them seem like they are on some sort of hard medication, even breaching the legal stuff. Two of the many parents here definitely are on someone illegal. They seem like the most normal out of them.
3: The writing: When you think of an outstanding book, you may think of A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, or maybe even The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. All of these have amazing writing in them, perfectly crafted so that the reader feels immersed. But this pile of junk has none of that. I'm sorry that I seem so angry about this book, but the writing is just lazy. It makes David Walliams' books seem like Romeo and Juliet.
Thanks for reading my review, bye.
PS, sorry for any spelling mistakes that there may be. ":)
June 15, 2017
So near yet so far !!
This book has so much of potential but somehow things dint fall into place quite well.
The humor ... on which the entire book is based on, din't seem to work well at most of the places. The story line was very predictable but this book being a middle grade novel din't really need to have such an elaborate and complex plot. The first few chapters were very fun to read but as the story progressed, it became kind of repetitive. Some of the puns were really really good while the others could've been a tad bit better. Had the author perfected such minuscule things, the book would've definitely come out very well. On the other hand, I really appreciate the authors creativity and imaginative prowess. I also loved the fact that the book ended with a moral. A very good one too :P
So overall, it was a 50-50 I would say.
... and the illustrations.... they were splendid !! :) (Not sure if the author managed to draw them as well apart from the writing the book because i don't see any credit given to any illustrator in the bio of the book.)
This book has so much of potential but somehow things dint fall into place quite well.
The humor ... on which the entire book is based on, din't seem to work well at most of the places. The story line was very predictable but this book being a middle grade novel din't really need to have such an elaborate and complex plot. The first few chapters were very fun to read but as the story progressed, it became kind of repetitive. Some of the puns were really really good while the others could've been a tad bit better. Had the author perfected such minuscule things, the book would've definitely come out very well. On the other hand, I really appreciate the authors creativity and imaginative prowess. I also loved the fact that the book ended with a moral. A very good one too :P
So overall, it was a 50-50 I would say.
... and the illustrations.... they were splendid !! :) (Not sure if the author managed to draw them as well apart from the writing the book because i don't see any credit given to any illustrator in the bio of the book.)
May 26, 2018
In a world of sad, heavy, deep, sometimes disturbing adolescent books there's The Parent Agency, an ode to youth and its whimsy. This is a very good book. Because I'm an adult reading it I give it a three. I think that number will move up or down based on your preferences. If you don't enjoy whimsy or predictability then it will likely go down. If you like a bit of fun and silliness and lighthearted then it will go up.
The basic plot: Disgruntled Barry is totally disgusted by his own tired, boring, strict parents (any students relating to this yet?). In total Wizard of Oz fashion, Barry gets to travel to a new Kid run land where you get to choose your parents.
5 days, 5 different parents. This isn't a book you read because you don't know how it's going to turn out but if you'd like to depart from books about struggles and strife and heartache you've found your escape. It's predictable but fun. Sometimes you just have to switch it up.
A fun adventure complete with an ending worthy of any Dorothy (I mean Barry). Enjoy, be kids!
The basic plot: Disgruntled Barry is totally disgusted by his own tired, boring, strict parents (any students relating to this yet?). In total Wizard of Oz fashion, Barry gets to travel to a new Kid run land where you get to choose your parents.
5 days, 5 different parents. This isn't a book you read because you don't know how it's going to turn out but if you'd like to depart from books about struggles and strife and heartache you've found your escape. It's predictable but fun. Sometimes you just have to switch it up.
A fun adventure complete with an ending worthy of any Dorothy (I mean Barry). Enjoy, be kids!
June 18, 2019
After complaining about his boring, poor and strict his parents are, Barry is brought to an agency that gives him five chances to find new parents before he turns ten, with onimous consequences awaiting him should he not choose before time runs out...Baddiel will keep young readers entertained with his childish sense of humour, though the unlikeable characters and constant potty humour will drive off older audiences.
September 9, 2019
I THINK ITS A GOOD BOOK BECAUSE THE WORDS ARE REALLY IMAGINATIVE BUT THERE IS SOME ADULT HUMOUR IN PARTS OF THE BOOK, I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK BECAUSE ITS FUNNY AND HUMOUROUS. THE AGE TARGET THIS BOOK IS AIMED FOR IS YEAR 8 TO YEAR 10. WHEN YOUR IN THE BOOK YOU TRULY BELIEVE THAT YOUR HEAD IS IN THE BOOK AND YOU DONT WANT TO STOP READING JUST INCASE IF YOU MISS SOMETHING. OVERALL I WOULD RATE THIS BOOK 9/10, TRULY FABULOUS!
December 16, 2020
OK, firstly this is a kid's book - so there is no depth to it. But, if you want a quick, predictable, easy read with good characters and a totally predictable story-line, then you can't really go wrong with a kid's book. On the whole, this was an ok read - it was enjoyable at times and mildly amusing. I am sure many children will relate to Barry and will enjoy the story.
December 25, 2017
I liked the general idea behind this book and I liked the storyline. But the main character... ok, I get that 10 year olds have limited brainfunction, but if I had read this as a 9 -12 year old I would have found it sooooo akward. I really feel sorry for parents 4 and 5. He is really horrible! But I guess he might be written like that for a reason. so 3 stars.
October 14, 2022
من ترجمه ی فارسی این کتاب را خواندم، اگر در اطراف شما کودک یا نوجوانی هست که شرایط خانوادگی اش را دوست ندارد ، این کتاب واقعا کتاب مناسبی است چون در دنیای خیال به جایی سفر میکند که خودش میتواند پدر و مادرش را انتخاب کند و در انتها مناسب ترین خانواده برای او خانواده ی خودش است. به نظرم داستان جذاب و مناسبی برای کودکان ده سال به بالا دارد.
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