SINGAPORE — As far as the children are concerned, the best thing about a McDonald’s Happy Meal is the free toy that comes with it. Parents, on the other hand, are just glad meal-time is less of a battle of wills. But those who have at some point wished for something more educational — and fun, of course — will likely revel in the fast food chain’s latest push for a more balanced meal.

From today (Sept 3) until the end of September, customers will receive a free Happy Meal book with every purchase of a Happy Meal. Specially selected from publisher Dorling Kindersley’s Watch Me Grow and WOW series, the selection of eight Happy Meal Books are for children aged five to nine years old and includes some of the publisher’s most popular reads. The Watch Me Grow books explore an animal’s view of life through a collection of animal titles that include Panda and Penguin. The WOW series is a vivid show-and-tell experience that explores each subject through stunning photographic images.

McDonald’s has been serving the Happy Meal since 1979, but its philosophy of offering balanced, great-tasting meals to suit children’s lifestyle and tastes has not changed, said a spokesperson.

In fact, its kids-sized fare now includes meal options that come in 500-calorie-and-under sets, while the Corn Cup is now lower in sodium. It also decided to switch to using Canola Blend oil to fry its Chicken McNuggets after they are par fried in Sunflower Oil, which has resulted in a reduction of saturated fat by approximately 30 per cent.

From now until Sept 9, little ones can choose between Watch Me Grow! Panda and WOW! HUMAN BODY. Other titles include Watch Me Grow! Butterfly and WOW! ART AND CULTURE (Sept 10 to 16); Watch Me Grow! Elephant and WOW! ANCIENT HISTORY (Sept 17 to 23); and Watch Me Grow! Penguin and WOW! SPACE (Sept 24 to 30). Two new titles will be launched every Thursday at 11am.