[Foogle]

Kicking off in the UK are the new Happy Meals that come with a book instead of a nasty toy.

I think I'm liking this. Put it this way, if a child is going to have a HM then I would much prefer the book to go with it rather than the crappy toy. In fact, I think DS would have argued a bit more to go to McDonalds had books been on offer rather than toys.

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WDYT?

[CupOfCoffee]

I think it is great. Books change lives and book ownership can open a whole world to children.

There are some kids that get to school, without having owned or been read books, and maybe some of those kids will now have access to books. And that is important.

[chookpea]

Great idea. The few times I've bought a happy meal for DS, the toys were junk.

[Heffalump]

That's a brilliant idea - I hope that they start doing it over here as well!

[Oriental lily]

Depends of the quality of book.
If is a mini version of the most recent Disney or dreamworks movie offering than its no better.

I have an irrational hatred towards picture books from movies. Especially Disney ones.

I hate happy meals but I am sure people will think its a great move by McDonalds.
Our house already groans wth books as it is.

[Foogle]

OL, I think they've gone with DK as one of the publishers from other articles I read. They are kicking off with books from the DK Amazing World series.

From another article:

The Happy Readers campaign will launch with a five-week nationwide promotion featuring a series of non-fiction titles from publisher DK's Amazing World series. Each Happy Meal will include one of the books — whose topics include stars and planets, big cats and oceans — and related puzzles and stickers.

[MakeLoveNotBacon]

I guess on the surface it sounds like a good idea. But books are freely available at the library, or school. Small kids might be excited but the majority will probably just end up in the bin with all the other rubbish McDonalds produces. It's certainly a step up from the plastic toys which I wish would be banned, but I hardly think it's going to change anyone's life. Even 'poor' kids have access to books. Just another slimy selling gimmick.

[Oriental lily]

Well if that's the case my eldest dd would be thrilled.

She loves 'information books' as she calls them.


Books in the uk are so much cheaper than here.
I wonder if it would financially viable in Australia?

It is preferable though than the plastic landfill you get.

Even though we are not massive McDonald's customers anyway.

[tothebeach]

I have a fundamental objection to adding a desirable object (book, toy or whatever) to crappy food to entice children to want it. Though I accept that it is a clever marketing ploy to make parents feel better about buying junk food for their children.

[bebe12]

hi,

they have had books in Aust before for macca, we have one on a bear from one of the few times we went. So not sure if it was for a promotion or a test on if it works.