The Parent Agency

Author: Baddiel, David

Edition: Illustrated

Number Of Pages: 384

Details:

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. From School Library Journal Gr 3–5—Barry Bennett is not happy with his parents. In fact, he blames them for so many bad things in his life that he keeps a list hidden under his pillow. His parents are poor, boring, tired, and really, really strict. He hates that they named him Barry instead of something cool like his friends, Jake, Lukas, and Taj. On top of all that, they are always much nicer to his twin sisters than to him. But his biggest gripe is that they never make his birthday good enough. Six days before he turns 10, Barry gets grounded for having a tantrum. He fumes in his bedroom and wishes for better parents. Suddenly, he is transported to another world and finds himself at the TPA (The Parent Agency), where children get to choose their parents. The agency places him with parents each day based on the criteria from his list. But finding the best parents is harder than Barry thought. This story is a good jumping-off point for chapter book readers who want to expand into full-length novels. It is broken down into short chapters that are full of adventure. Ample black-and-white drawings throughout make this title appealing to graphic novel fans as well. VERDICT The underlying lesson about learning to appreciate what you have—and being careful what you wish for—is good discussion fodder for this age group; a solid additional purchase for middle grade collections.—Annette Herbert, F. E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NY

Reviews:

“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

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

“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. . . .

About the Author:

David Baddiel is a comedian, the host of numerous TV and radio shows, and the writer of four critically acclaimed novels. The Parent Agency is his first children’s book. David lives in London with his family. He hopes his own children won’t be applying to the Parent Agency anytime soon....

EAN: 9780062405449

Release Date: 03-05-2016

Languages: english

Item Note: Great shape- pages are unmarked and sharp. Hardcover Used - Like New Ships fast! 2016Illustrated

Item Condition: UsedLikeNew

Binding: Hardcover