Happy Meal toys have been a staple of childhood for many people, but be honest, how long did you actually play with those toys when you got them?
I mean, sure, there were some good ones, but most were cheap and boring.
Happy Meal toys have been a staple of childhood for many people, but be honest, how long did you actually play with those toys when you got them?
I mean, sure, there were some good ones, but most were cheap and boring.
I was a pretty bookish kid anyway, but part of what allows kids to learn to enjoy reading is having books around that they might be interested in.
Since not every family can afford a vast library, I love it when companies decide to do their part to promote reading too.
While I'm sure there have been other examples throughout the years, the biggest one I can think of is Pizza Hut's BOOK IT! program, which launched in 1984 and is still going strong today.
As much as I'd like to wax nostalgic about paper logbooks and stickers, an app definitely makes more sense now. I guess.
But you better be damn sure that I'm getting my hands on one of those retro logo t-shirts ASAP. I need it in my life.
But, there's also no need to let perfection get in the way of the good. The more initiatives that promote reading to kids, the better, I think.
That's why I love the latest idea by McDonald's in New Zealand.
Now, these aren't full editions of the books. Instead, they are booklets that contain excerpts from the stories alongside stickers and activities.
This bugged me at first. Like, why not just give the actual books?
For particularly young or inexperienced readers, a big chapter book like The BFG might seem intimidating. By pairing a taste of the story with fun activities, kids can decide if they like what they've read enough to want to read more.
Since it launched, the program has given away over 450 million books and, with plans to expand the program to more than 100 countries, that number's just going to keep going up.
Different countries have implemented the program in their own ways.
This program is ongoing, with the book choices cycling every two months to feature works by Canadian children's authors.
However it's done, I'm glad that McDonald's is adding reading to the menu and I think I may just re-read Matilda in celebration.