Volleyball team mates share Happy books with children

With the new school year in full swing, parents and teachers are engaging in innovative ways to motivate children to embrace the habit of reading.

McDonald’s is joining the drive and has partnered with the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) for its new Happy Meal Books programme, which launched on Thursday at the McDonald’s, Cipriani Boulevard restaurant, Port of Spain.

The event featured book readings from members of the Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Women’s Volleyball Team, who have since qualified for the Volleyball World Championship in Japan. The women beat Costa Rica 3-0 on Saturday night to become the first English-speaking Country to qualify for the tournament at the National Cycling Centre in Couva..

School children enjoyed listening to the stories from popular books such as Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School, Pete the Cat’s Got Class, Just A School Project, and If You Take a Mouse to School.

With fun and friendly content that boys and girls alike will be pleased to read, these limited-edition books are now available in Happy Meals, and were specially selected for their ties to the start of the school year. Happy Meal Books is born out of an international partnership with Harper Collins Publishers, known worldwide for its acclaimed publications.

Kamella Carmino, Librarian III, NALIS delivered an engaging and interactive presentation, highlighting the wonder of reading and the importance of libraries. Jalicia Ross-Kydd, captain, Trinidad and Tobago National Women’s Volleyball Team and her teammate Channon Thompson thrilled the children with readings from the storybooks.

“We are very excited to take part in this initiative that will hopefully inspire children to discover the joy of reading,” said Susan Pierre, manager of the Women’s Volleyball Team. “Reading is so essential to broadening the horizons of our young generation. My teammates and I are proud to set positive examples for the children, and felt it was important to show that just like sports and fitness, reading is fun and essential to development.”

“The Happy Meal Books programme gives children and their families the opportunity to enjoy a truly enriching experience, one that will stimulate children’s learning and creativity and inspire their imaginations,” said Kalifa Duncan, market supervisor for McDonald’s TT.

She added, “McDonald’s champions the all-round well-being of children, from our support of worthwhile causes to the focus on health with the inclusion of apple slices and smaller-sized fries in Happy Meals. The Happy Meals Books programme is another way we can provide an enjoyable and meaningful experience to children and their families, and we look forward to presenting more initiatives to bring happiness to the children of Trinidad and Tobago.”