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.
A World Run by Kids: When Barry is whisked away to Youngdon, he finds a city where kids are in charge and grown-ups are desperate to be picked.Choosing Your Parents: At the Parent Agency, Barry gets the chance to trade in his boring mom and dad for the parents of his dreams. Or so he thinks.Trial-and-Error Families: From ridiculously rich to super famous, Barry test-drives five potential families, discovering that the "perfect" parents might be the weirdest of all.Middle Grade Humor: Packed with zany situations and laugh-out-loud moments perfect for readers ages 8-12 who love Roald Dahl.