McDonald's restaurants offer Happy Meal books instead of toys - WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, Sports

"We're offering Happy Meal books. It is four series of books that go into the Happy Meal in place of a toy," said restaurant owner and operator Whitney Welsh.

Starting November 1, the books will replace the toys inside of the Happy Meal. The nationwide promotion lasts for two weeks.

"It's something different. Something new," said Welsh.

However, during that time, children will be able to expand their libraries instead of their toy collection with books like "Deana's Big Dreams", "The Goat Who Ate Everything", "Ant, Can't", and "Doddi the Dodo goes to Orlando".

The dodo is always on the go-go thanks to her good diet, and that is the message these books offer.

"I think children will take away proper eating habits from the books and that exercise is important and an active lifestyle," said Welsh.

Welsh is a mom of two with one on the way. She has already tested out the books on her 5 and 6 year olds, and she says they already want more.

Welsh's family has owned this McDonald's for over 30 years, and she says it feels great to offer something that can truly impact the future of the community.

"We used to offer books. You know, the Golden Books, and now we're offering these great new books with the McDonald's characters. I think it's great that we can do this. The community, I think, will really love it," said Welsh.

The Happy Meal books will also come with bookmarks that children can personalize. The promotion ends November 14.