Canadian families can now get a book or toy in every McDonald's Happy Meal

The books included in the Happy Meal promotion are all written and illustrated by Canadians and feature distinct Canadian content. Image: McDonald's Canada website

TORONTO -- McDonald's Canada is turning a page on its Happy Meal offerings with their new book program which allows families to choose a book or a toy with their Happy Meal purchase. In partnership with award-winning Kids Can Press, the largest Canadian-owned children's book publisher, McDonald's new Happy Meal book launch is meant to foster the love of reading to children across the country and encourage families to share story time together.

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"We believe books are an important piece of building a better future, and can inspire children to learn, create and better understand the world around them," said Antoinette Benoit, Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald's Canada. "We hope the Happy Meal Book program encourages families to come together and share the magic of reading."

It is estimated that millions of books will get into the hands of Canadian children through the new Happy Meal Book program. McDonald's will also install Little Free Libraries at Ronald McDonald Houses across the country, where books can be left or taken home, further improving accessibility to literature.

Canadian Content
The books included in the Happy Meal promotion are all written and illustrated by Canadians and feature distinct Canadian content, including iconic characters such as Scaredy Squirrel by Quebec author Mélanie Watt, Franklin the Turtle by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark, the beloved Life in the Wild series by Nicholas Oldland and the Dragon Safety Series from Jean E. Pendziwol and Martine Gourbault.

"We've been working hard to foster a passion for reading in children for more than 40 years," said Lisa Lyons Johnston, President, Kids Can Press. "The importance of supporting Canadian authors and illustrators is at the heart of what we do."

The first ever Happy Meal was introduced in Kansas City in October 1977, officially launching in all restaurants in 1979. Happy Meals launched in Canada in 1994, with Cabbage Patch Kids and Tonka Trucks as toys.

SOURCE McDonald's Canada