Did you know that instead of plastic toys, McDonald’s is currently giving away free David Walliams books with every Happy Meal sold?

And I know they’re meant for kids, but there’s nothing like a David Walliams story to put a smile on your face!

David Walliams

McDonald’s has replaced its plastic toys with books in its latest Happy Readers campaign, this time giving away a free story from David Walliams’ bestselling series, The World’s Worst Children.

Having a McDonald’s is considered big treat in our house, but I always ask for the kids’ meals to come without a toy, not because I’m a horrible mummy but because even the kids’ understand they’re an unjustifiable waste of plastic.

But now McDonald’s customers can swap the plastic toys given in children’s Happy Meals for a fruit bag, and from next year, for a book. In the meantime, the latest Happy Readers campaign replaces those toys with books, and I’m more than happy to help bang the drum – especially when David Walliams is involved!

Entering the magical world of David Walliams with McDonald’s Happy Meals

If you haven’t heard of McDonald’s Happy Readers Campaign before, it’s all about getting young children reading more after National Literacy Trust statistics revealed that almost a fifth of all children aged five to eight in the UK don’t own any books of their own.

David Walliams

Books are given away free with every Happy Meal, with the aim of increasing book ownership amongst children and to encourage families to read together.

David Walliams

Since the campaign launched in 2013, 70 million books have been distributed to kids across the UK and the latest instalment sees David Walliams’ World’s Worst Children making their Happy Readers debut.

There are six books to collect: Vain Valentine, Honey The Hogger, Stacey Superstar, Harry Who Never Ever Did His Homework, Miss Petula Perpetual-Motion and Competitive Colin, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books and illustrated in colour by Tony Ross (also of Horrid Henry fame).

David Walliams

As well as a vivid story told in David Walliams’s signature style, the books also come with activities at the end – keeping my three entertained waaay longer than any plastic toy.

David Walliams

The campaign is being supported by World’s Worst Children themed colouring sheets, balloons and flags in McDonald’s restaurants, but be quick – the campaign ends this week!

We were gifted a set of McDonald’s Happy Readers David Walliams books in exchange for this post. As always, all opinions are my own and based on our own honest experience.

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