The Parent Agency

Written by David Baddiel and Illustrated by Jim Field (Harper Collins)

Age 7-11

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 . . .

I loved that Barry, with his love of James Bond and football and his sister sibling rivalry is a typical nearly ten-year-old boy. His dream to choose his own – much cooler – parents and live his life on his own terms will resonate with kids. Even if you love your parents, there will be times you imagine being an adopted child with better parents tucked away somewhere, ready to pop out and own you! Of course the reality of those choices might not be what you wanted.

The writing is perfect for younger readers and laugh-out-loud funny with a flavour of dad jokes, best appealing to kids age 8-10.

This is the first children’s book by British author and comedian David Baddiel and he has gone on to write gazillions more. Which are your favourites?

Meet the author

David Baddiel is an English comedian, novelist and television presenter. He read English at King’s College, Cambridge, graduating with a double first. Baddiel became a cabaret stand-up comedian after leaving university and also wrote sketches and jokes for various radio series.

He is now a bestselling stand-up comic, children’s and adults book author and literary figure. He is also, interestingly, the man behind the unofficial anthem of English football, the “Three Lions” song (“Football is coming home”). He is also a screenwriter creating multiple tv shows that feature the likes of Stephen Fry.

His children’s books in order: