I'm Readin' It

Author of Mudpuddle Farm books
image taken from turnerbooks.tbpcontrol.co.uk 

       Earlier this year McDonald's started a campaign to help the fight against illiteracy in the UK. The organization handed out approximately nine million books by author Micheal Morpugo. The books were Mudpuddle Farm books that included Pigs Might Fly! and Mossops Last Chance. Even though Micheal Morpugo is most famous for its children's book titled War Horse and this campaign was started as a promotion tool for the release of the film version in British movie theatres the campaign is something that should be adapted in all franchises in the United States and other locations.

image taken from goodreads.com

       In November McDonalds was under serious scrutiny when the city of San Fransisco banned giving away toys in happy meals that were high in calories and fat. Now, toys are 10 cent each and the cost of each toy goes to McDonalds charity. During this campaign the books were free with a purchase but also available for purchase separately without a kids meal.

       Eight out of ten families visit McDonalds to eat. Everyone knows that a family that eats together stays together now imagine if they read together. The campaign was supported by the National Literacy Trust saying that because of McDonald's size, name recognition, and image the campaign is "a huge leap towards encouraging more families to read together." Research from the National Literacy Trust showed that one in three children which is approximately four million kids do not even own a book.

     With funding being snatched from education left and right to fund unnecessary events its great that McDonalds is finding a way to help promote education and stop illiteracy. from the UK to the U.S. campaigns similar to this should be started.

Article Link: http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/mcdonalds-to-give-away-books-with-happy-meals/3033168.article

-Gwendolyn Satchell