Pharrell to Donate Books to Children

Pharrell Williams and his book publisher have launched a “Happy” campaign for young readers.

Along with Penguin Young Readers, the singer has partnered with FirstBook, a nonprofit literacy organization, to donate up to 50,000 books to children in low-income families. Penguin announced Tuesday that the Twitter hashtag (hash) read Happy had been established for fans to post thoughts or images on why reading makes them “Happy.” Every post shared elsewhere on social media will lead to a donation.

“Every child on this planet deserves to experience the joy of reading,” Pharrell said in a statement issued through Penguin.

Pharrell’s picture book, “Happy,” based on his hit song, comes out next week.