The Parent Agency
David Baddiel, Jim Field
Subjects
- Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
- Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Average rating
A brilliantly funny, gripping novel - and the bestselling hardback children’s debut of 2014 - from a born storyteller, The Parent Agency is an epic wish-fulfilment adventure for every child – and for the child in everyone. “I wish I had better parents!” Barry said, a third time. And then suddenly the entire room started to shake… Barry Bennett hates being called Barry. In fact it’s number 2 on the list of things he blames his parents for, along with 1) ‘being boring’ and 3) ‘always being tired’. But there is a world, not far from this one, where parents don’t have children. That’s far too random for something so big and important. In this world, children are allowed to choose their parents. For Barry Bennett, this world seems like a dream come true. Only things turn out to be not quite that simple… Illustrated by Roald Dahl Funny Prize winner, Jim Field.
Reviews
Very funny, but quite easy. Nice illustration too
Anonymous 02.02.2018
Star Reviewer
I loved it! It told me that parents are really important
Dame Kiki Eggybread 06.02.2025
This was a really funny book! It was a fiction book by a comedian, my favourite character was the two twins but I also like Barry and the celebrity couple. The list that Barry made completely cracked me up, I thought it was legendary. Overall I loved it it was quite long but the concept was really good. I would defiantly recommend this book to someone else.
Officer Iggy Arlington 12.09.2024
This was a good fictional story but it wasn’t my favourite.
Count Arthur Toothpaste 03.09.2024
I liked it but some parts were not my style but overall it was great especially the parts around the parents and how you could decide who you had. It made me feel like I was seeing a new world.
Major Catapult Piccalilli 01.09.2024
This book was so funny!!! Barry is very funny and in my opinion should definitely become a comedian. I'm glad he was happy in the end. 3 stars.
Countess Gloriana Banana 31.08.2024
Very Entertaining.
Lady Pinky Waltzer 27.08.2024
Great book. Love the idea of choosing your own parents. Recommended to children aged 9-12.
Queen Morgana Quest 23.08.2024
it is a very good book
Judge Lacey Postage-Stamp 16.08.2024
Barry wished for better parents, because he thought that his were too boring! After he made the wish, he woke up in parallel universe where the kids could pick their parents, but they had to choose before their 10th birthday, which for Barry was in only 5 days. So, for 5 days, he tested 5 different sets of parents, who were all different from each other. First he trial the rich parents, then the famous parents, then the fitness fanatic parents, then the hippy-like parents and lastly, the parents who favoured him over their other children. He found fault with every set and really just wanted his own parents back... He then woke up in a hospital bed and luckily, it had all been a dream . He had been in a coma after tripping over the dishwasher door! My favorite character was Barry, as because he was quite funny and realised that really he just wanted his own parents back and that he loved them. I would recommend this book.
Coach Poseidon Archway 16.08.2024
I liked it because there were so many different characters and plots but they all linked together
Doctor Chester Bouncy-castle 06.08.2024
it shows an enticing story about how you should appreciate your parents.
Master Hercules Pinkerton 23.07.2024
A boy wishes he had better parents and his wish came true. It is perfect for people who likes magic. I really like how it’s wrote like a diary to separate the days.
Esquire Quicksand Satellite 06.07.2024
Barry had boring parents, children can also choose there own parents but when Barry meets all of the parents he asked for was still not enough for Barry. His birthday was in 5 days but know he still hadn't got a good parent form the parent agency after that he was in a hospital and his friends and his parents were here even the doctor but somehow they where they where wearing kind of some weird dresses.
Superintendent Dragon Sudoku 06.02.2024
Star Reviewer
My favourite character is Morrissina because she is beautiful.I don't like the sport people.
Director Diamond Mittens 15.01.2024
I liked the content and storyline. I also liked the fun and weird characters and yes I would recommend it to anyone else.
Princess Heroica Pinkerton 05.01.2024
I didnt really like this book because I found it a bit lacking on action. It is about a boy who doesn't like his parents for a list of reasons. He goes to another land and tests out new parents!
Commander Neptune Yo-yo 02.12.2023
Brilliant
Lord Gargoyle Desperado 24.09.2023
I enjoyed this book and that it made me realise just how important family and friends and that we should not take them for granted.
Queen Mildred Remmington 14.09.2023
This book is really interesting and funny.
General Beany Foxtail 09.09.2023
