McDonald's Give Away Kids Books

PUBLISHER HarperCollins has linked up with the fast food chain McDonald's, to give out free copies of former children's laureate Micheal Morpurgo's Mudpuddle Farm books, aimed at young readers.  The revered author backlog includes the hit children's novel War Horse.

The new promotion, which sees nine million books overall being distributed out, will include one with every purchase of a Happy Meal.

According to McDonald's, eight out of ten families visit the fast food chain.
The National Literacy Trust said that McDonald's 'size and scale will be a huge leap towards encouraging more families to read together'.

Pointing to the National Literacy Trust's recent research which showed that one in three children in the UK – almost four million – don't own a book, director Jonathan Douglas said he was 'very supportive of McDonald's decision to give families access to popular books'.

The promotion, which runs now until the 7 February, see's book titles 'Mossop's Last Chance' and 'Martians at Mudpuddle Farm' to be included, with each book coming with a finger puppet.

The books will also be available to buy at the restaurant without having to purchase a Happy Meal.

Booktrust, the government-backed charity which gives away five million books a year to babies and children, also supported the scheme.

Viv Bird, Booktrust director said 'This partnership with McDonald's Happy Meals and HarperCollins sends a really powerful message that reading is for everyone.  You've got Michael Morpurgo, the ex children's laureate whose writing is fantastic, you've got quality books which are going to reach lots of families who wouldn't necessarily go into libraries or bookshops: what is there to disagree with?.

“There is a real cultural challenge around reading for pleasure and we've got to be careful that parents realise that its important to enjoy reading aswell.”

So, a departure from the novelty toy and a serving of literature instead.  What do you think?  Is this a good idea?  Have your say below.