According The Guardian, McDonalds UK have announced that they will be giving away NINE MILLION (yep, you read that right, NINE MILLION) books with Happy Meals. The partnership between HarperCollins UK and McDonalds is one way of reaching out to a population of families not inclined to cross the threshold of bookshops or libraries. While the food is not to my taste (I know I know, I’m not exactly the target audience for a Happy Meal), the books are of a high calibre. They’ve been penned by the former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. According to Viv Bird of the National Booktrust, “This partnership with McDonald’s Happy Meals and HarperCollins sends a really powerful message that reading is for everyone.” And it’s just the kind of message needed.
Don’t worry if you’re not a Happy Meal type, you can buy the Mudpuddle Farm books at McDonalds minus the meal.
Sheryl McFarlane 
Jan 16, 2012 @ 21:46:50
Thanks for the feedback James. I checked out your blog. Good to meet you. I agree. Both excellant books, but my all time favorite is Dear Olly.
(I wasn’t able to accept your comment for some reason, so I had to post it manually)
Jan 16, 2012 @ 21:41:55
James commented on Michael Morpurgo’s writing tips
I too am a big admirer of Michael Morpurgo’s work. I really enjoyed Kensuke’s Kingdom and Private Peaceful. If I had to choose my favourite Morpurgo books, these are the two I’d pick.