McDonald’s launches its latest Happy Readers campaign as research from the National Literacy Trust reveals that almost a fifth (19%) of children aged 5 to 8 don’t have any books of their own.

Research conducted by the National Literacy Trust revealed that whilst over three quarters of children aged 5 to 8 enjoy reading in their free time (76%), only a half of UK kids read outside of class (54%).

Jo Conlon, Family Marketing Manager at McDonald’s UK, said: “We are committed to helping families enjoy reading together by improving access to brilliant children’s books and the Happy Readers scheme does just that. With 70 million books distributed to date, we hope the programme continues to inspire families across the country to enjoy these fabulous stories together. David Walliams’ books are loved by kids nationwide. The World’s Worst Children books are full of wickedly funny stories and horrible happenings that leave young readers squirming in their seats – in a good way!”

The Happy Readers campaign is supported by Emmerdale actress and celebrity mum of three, Charley Webb. Speaking about the campaign, Charley, said: “I think the Happy Readers scheme is brilliant. It is incredibly important young children are encouraged to read for their own mental health, as it provides them with an opportunity to relax and wind down with their loved ones. My kids love the World’s Worst Children stories, particularly Buster who adores “Vain Valentine” where the main character’s vain eccentricities leave us both in hysterics. As a family, we love to read together, and always make time for a bedtime story.”

Lending her support to the campaign, Charley is hosting a reading of the Happy Reader editions at a McDonald’s restaurant in Knaresborough on the 12^th September to bring some of the hilariously horrible characters from the books, to life.

Jonathan Douglas, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “We are pleased to be supporting McDonald’s on their sixth Happy Readers campaign to encourage more children to read in their free time. With our research showing that 1 in 5 young children don’t have any books of their own at home, the Happy Readers scheme is a great way to increase children’s access to books and get them reading avidly in their free time. When children enjoy reading and have books of their own at home, they do better at school and are more likely to lead happy, healthy and successful lives.”

Ann-Janine Murtagh, Executive Publisher at HarperCollins Children’s Books, said: “As part of HarperCollins ongoing commitment to literacy it is wonderful to be reaching an even bigger audience of new readers with these special Happy Reader editions of David’s bestselling series. David’s stories are perfect for shared family entertainment and we very much hope this will demonstrate the pleasure and fun that reading can bring.”

The McDonald’s Happy Readers promotion launched on 11^th September and runs over five weeks, with one book given away with each The World of David Walliams Happy Meal until 15^th October.

For more information, please visit https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/latest/happy-meal.html.

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On 24th March 2019, Penguin Classics is launching ‘Happy Reading’, its first ever pop-up bookshop in Shoreditch to celebrate reading for pleasure and the special books that impact our lives.

Showcasing the range and diversity of world literature, the space will display a single copy of each of the 1,257 books in the world-renowned Penguin Classics list. Happy Reading is both a shop and a cultural space for readers to explore, discuss and challenge the literary canon.

During the evenings, the space will host a range of events and workshops. Confirmed events include a Mother’s Day candle making workshop with Literati & Light, a panel discussion on happiness in partnership with Refinery29 and an event focusing on women in the canon with Penguin Live.

Sam Voulters, Brand Director for Penguin Classics, says: “In 2019, we will be celebrating the concept of reading Classics for pleasure – Happy Reading – through a major outdoor campaign looking at the individual books that have changed readers’ lives. Happy Reading: The Penguin Classics pop-up shop is a physical manifestation of this message, bringing together diverse voices to explore, discuss and challenge the idea that these are books to love, not just to study.”

Working with the National Literacy Trust, Penguin Classics is inviting schoolchildren from the local area to engage with literature in lots of exciting ways. Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, says: “We know that children and young people who enjoy reading do better at school, at work and in life. Books give children the words, ideas and knowledge they need to flourish, which is why we are so thrilled to be working with Penguin Classics to introduce these books to a new generation of readers. Filled with characters, experiences, emotions and perspectives that are still relevant today, the classics provide something to inspire every young person to fall in love with reading for a lifetime.”

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