The Parent Agency

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.

Winner of Laugh Out Loud Book Awards: 9-13 Years 2016

“"Funny, sometimes moving, always engaging" Guardian "I love this book because it really made me laugh! The best book I've read since I was born!" Tom, 11, LoveReading4Kids "Exciting and funny - I didn't want to put it down!" Daisy, 10, LoveReading4Kids”

“Funny, sometimes moving, always engaging” Guardian

“I love this book because it really made me laugh! The best book I’ve read since I was born!” Tom, 11, LoveReading4Kids

“Exciting and funny – I didn't want to put it down!” Daisy, 10, LoveReading4Kids

David Baddiel was born in 1964 in Troy, New York, but grew up and lives in London. He is a comedian, television writer, columnist and author of three previous novels, of which the most recent is The Secret Purposes.

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.

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