MCDONALD’S in Coventry had a literary makeover for World Book Day, writes Eloise Hodges.
After Coventry was identified as an area with some of the lowest levels of children’s literacy in the UK, McDonald’s created story corners, a comfortable space for a reading which were also equipped with activity sheets, dressing up boxes and free books for children to take home.
McDonald’s partnered with the National Literacy Trust to identify five locations across the UK with low literacy levels and the city was one.
To help tackle this issue, the fast food giant set up story corners to inspire children to get involved in World Book Day.
The corners were adorned with colourful bunting, World Book Day themed fancy dress, cushions, and plenty of books.
Coventry families who visited were also given a £1 book token as part of their Happy Meal purchase.
The story corners come after McDonald’s pledge to provide 10million free books per year to children across the UK who need them most. By the end of 2023, the firm will have given away over 150million free books.
Franchisee John Kiely said: “We’re so pleased to host the temporary story corners in Coventry in the run up to World Book Day this year.
“We love welcoming young families into our restaurant and the story corners mean we’ve had even more to offer them this week.”
Jonathan Douglas CBE, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “World Book Day is a moment to celebrate reading and its many benefits, so it’s wonderful to see the Mcdonald’s story corners bringing these celebrations to families and children living in areas with low literacy levels.
“Inspiring a love of reading can impact a child for the rest of their life, improving their literacy skills and helping them succeed in life.
“And it could all start here, with a free book this World Book Day.”
