The Happy Meal Book is Back!
From now until February 15th McDonald’s is swapping out the Happy Meal Toy in favor of a Happy Meal Book!
Kids will have the opportunity to find one of four miniature paperbacks, some themed appropriately for Valentine’s Day, with their meal.
Titles will include:
“Paddington” by Michael Bond and illustrated by R. W. Alley
“Clark the Shark Takes Heart” by Bruce Hale and illustrated by Guy Francis
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse!” by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond
“Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool” by Kimberly and James Dean
This will not be the first time that McDonald’s is including books with their children’s meals. The Reading is Fundamental team, the nation’s largest children’s literacy organization, partnered with McDonald’s and started this initiative back in 2013. After this wave of Happy Meal Books, McDonald’s will have successfully given more than 50 million books to children.
McDonald’s wants to be part of changing the world, and making books part of every child’s life. Currently, 45% of 4th graders read at or below basic level. Even more astounding is the fact that 75% of children that are classified as ‘poor reader’ by the end of 3rd grade remain poor readers and ultimately fall behind in school.
The benefits to providing access to books at a young age are countless. Reading provides a strong learning foundation, keeps kids in school, increases graduation rates, and inspires young minds to pursue post-secondary education.
We applaud McDonald’s in their efforts towards creating the next generation of readers!