McDonald’s to give away Valentine’s-themed children's books in its Happy Meals

Between 2013 and 2016, the fast-food chain says it will have distributed more than 50 million books to its customers

McDonald’s is to start including Valentine's Day-themed books instead of plastic toys in Happy Meals.

More than 17 million books are set to be given away with the fast-food chain’s children’s meals across the US, from Tuesday until February 15, according to the LA Times.

The meals will contain one of four books, including Michael Bond’s Paddington, illustrated by RW Alley.

The chain has partnered with Reading Is Fundamental, a non-profit organisation, for a third consecutive year and donated 10,000 books.

Paddington is the only non-Valentine' Day related book. The other three McDonald’s will give away are Clark the Shark Tales, by Bruce Hale with illustrations by Guy Francis, Kimberly and Jame Dean’s Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool and Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse!, by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond.

The paperback books are specially made to fit inside the Happy Meal boxes, and some restaurants will even have Spanish editions.

Reading Is Fundamental chief executive Carol Rasco said: “Books are the building blocks for a better future. They foster the imagination, expand our understanding of the world and fuel a lifelong love of learning. We’re pleased McDonald’s is helping millions of children discover the joy of reading.”

Between 2013 and 2016, McDonald’s says it will have distributed more than 50 million books to its customers.