For the third year in a row, McDonald's is collaborating with nonprofit organization Reading Is Fundamental to promote widespread literacy among children.
From now until February 15, Happy Meals at the chain restaurant will offer books to kids, instead of little plastic toys.
Kids will be able to receive one of four books, including the beloved Paddington by Michael Bond, and Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond.
"Books are the building blocks for a better future," said Carol H. Rasco, CEO of Reading Is Fundamental.
"They foster the imagination, expand our understanding of the world, and fuel a lifelong love of learning. We're please McDonald's is helping millions of children discover the joy of reading."
In the past, we've seen how much importance McDonald's places on helping the community, and on helping those in need — this initiative is just one of their many acts of kindness.
Scroll on to read more about McDonald's inspiring initiate to bring books to children, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
[H/T: Bustle]
We’re all familiar with McDonald’s Happy Meals.
First sold in June of 1977, each Happy Meal came with a packaged toy, which usually tied in with movie and TV show characters.
In recent years, the toys have become much more elaborate, causing many activists and organizations to campaign for bans on Happy Meals.
And though there isn’t hard evidence showing that Happy Meal toys directly trigger issues like childhood obesity and low nutrition standards, McDonald’s has decided to introduce a vastly different kind of “toy” along with their children’s meals: books!
McDonald’s is partnering with Reading Is Fundamental, a nonprofit organization that works to promote literacy in children, for the third year in a row.
From now through February 15, all Happy Meals will come with a little book, instead of a plastic toy.
By the end of this year, the fast-food company will have delivered more than 50 million books to children through these meal promotions.
Four different paperback books are offered — three of which have a Valentine’s Day theme: Paddington, by Michael Bond; Clark the Shark Takes Heart, by Bruce Hale; Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond; and Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool, by Kimberly and James Dean.
Book #1: Paddington
Paddington chronicles the adventures of a small bear from Darkest Peru, who takes with him nothing but a suitcase, jars of marmalade, and a label around his neck that reads, "Please Look After This Bear."
He sails to England, and is taken in by Mr. and Mrs. Brown, who find him lost at London's Paddington Station.
Book #2: Clark the Shark Takes Heart
In this episode, Clark is on a hunt to find the perfect birthday present for Anna Angelfish.
He enlists the help of his best friend, Joey Mackerel, but as usual, things don't go quite as planned…
Book #3: Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse!
In this tale, we meet Mouse, the star of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, a children's favorite.
He gets ready to celebrate Valentine's Day with all of his friends and loved ones!
Book #4: Pete the Cat: Valentine's Day Is Cool
And lastly, we have a book that chronicles Pete the Cat's Valentine's Day adventures.
Initially, Pete doesn't think Valentine's Day is cool at all — until he realizes that there are many special cats in his life. He does his best to make it the ultimate celebration for everyone!
What do you think about McDonald's effort to share books with all the children in the world?
Please SHARE your thoughts in the comments below!
Thumbnail: Flickr
