Kids get reading with McDonalds Happy Meal Readers program

McDonald’s launched the Happy Meal Readers book programme at Sandton City’s Ster-Kinekor kids cinema on 19 March. Happy Meal customers now get to choose between a toy and a book.

The Happy Meal Readers programme includes an exclusive book series authored by Cressida Cowell, well-known author and illustrator of the bestselling How To Train Your Dragon series. This new original series, The Treetop Twins Adventures, is a collection of 12 standalone stories exclusive to participating McDonalds’ and has been thoughtfully designed for children and families to read together.

The McDonald’s reading programme dates back to 2001, with Sweden being the first country to implement it. Since then, additional markets have adopted this practice, which is now called the Happy Meal Readers Program. To date, McDonald’s and its franchisees have distributed close to 450 million books globally through this program.

“I am happy that the program is finally introduced to South Africa. We hope that our customers will respond well to it,” said Jo-Ann De Wet, chief operations and supply chain officer for McDonald’s.

The launch consisted of a panel discussion and was hosted by singer and TV personality Unathi Nkayi, “As a modern mom, McDonald’s has always been the ‘go to’ takeaway spot, so now that my children can actually enjoy a meal while reading a book, I won’t feel bad about not cooking.”

The TV personality, Gail Mabalane, said that she was in full support of this program and hopes that all parents jump at this opportunity and get their children to read.

The attendees were accompanied by their children and got to enjoy a McDonald’s Happy Meal while storyteller, poet, activist and playwright, Gnina Mhlope, read them a book.

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/138213/mcdonalds-ends-20-year-celebration-on-a-high/