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.

“I wish I had better parents!” Barry said, a third time.

And then suddenly the entire room started Barry Bennett hates being named Barry. It’s number 2 on the list of reasons he can’t stand his parents, along with 1) they’re boring and 6) they’re REALLY, REALLY, REALLY strict.

Five days before his tenth birthday, Barry decides he’s had enough. He makes a wish . . . and is transported to a world where parents don’t just have children. Instead, kids get to choose their parents.

For Barry, this seems like a dream  come true. But choosing the perfect  parents isn’t quite that simple. . . .

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

“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