546 Million Happy Meal Readers Around the World

Bringing the joy of books to families is so important to us at McDonald’s. That’s why we offer children’s books with our Happy Meals in so many countries around the world.

The first books offering was launched in Sweden in 2001, and the first-year round book or toy program launched in France in 2015. Now, in more than 100 markets, McDonald’s customers can always choose a book instead of a toy with their Happy Meal. Because of this, our restaurants around the globe have given away more than 546 million books.

This recently became the case in the United Kingdom; McDonald’s UK began offering customers the choice of a book or toy with their Happy Meal orders in July 2020. Customers love it – one in ten Happy Meals is now sold with a book and since they started book promotions in 2014, they have already given nearly 100 million books away! 

In Spain, local celebrities, authors and teachers are hosting virtual Happy Meal book readings for families to watch together on social media.

Happy Meal Readers Program Preservers Through Global Pandemic

We know many kids are attending school virtually right now, and family togetherness is more important than ever. We’re excited that in so many markets, we’re providing opportunities to gather and build a love for reading beyond the classroom. 

Happy Meal Reader Program Undergoes Small Changes with Big Impact During COVID-19

Happy Meal Reader activity sheets from Italy.

Right now, in Italy, parents can download fun, kid-friendly activity sheets for their children that expand on the ideas and themes in local Happy Meal Readers books. 

In Cyprus, McDonald’s restaurants gave away a free Happy Meal Readers book with every Happy Meal purchase from April through June, in addition to the book or toy that already came with the meal. 

In Spain and Singapore, local celebrities, authors and teachers are hosting virtual Happy Meal book readings for families to watch together on social media.

In South Africa, incredible local teachers are reading Happy Meal Reader books virtually, with families turning in to their livestreams. 

The list goes on. 

Even during this challenging time, we’re so proud to help foster a love of reading in children across the globe.