Bakery-café brand Muffin Break has partnered with online reading platform, Chatty Kidz, in a free book giveaway designed to encourage children to learn to read and connect with relatives.

At the start of the year, the Foodco Group-owned franchise gave away thousands of vouchers to customers across Australia. Those who had signed up to the Muffin Break Club, or who were a fan of Muffin Break’s Facebook page, were also given the opportunity to download a free book for their child.

Chatty Kidz gives families access to a range of levelled reading books from leading publishers. The platform allows families and friends to view and read a book together during a video call.

Parents are so busy these days they seem to have less time to spend with their children than they would like. This is a wonderful way for children to learn and for families to connect and share experiences while parents can get help from their extended families,” Muffin Break marketing manager ANZ Gemma Fitzsimons said.

“This is such a unique program, with so many benefits to children and families and it complements our previous campaign of supporting local schools with our second annual Great Bake Sale campaign in 2014.”