• Article Photo. Children listen as Ronald McDonald reads a story.
    Children listen as Ronald McDonald reads a story.
  • Article Photo. Kayla Griffith tries to follow Ronald McDonald's silly directions.
    Kayla Griffith tries to follow Ronald McDonald's silly directions.
  • Article Photo. Ronald McDonald leads children in Vinton library in a pledge to read, and take care of books.
    Ronald McDonald leads children in Vinton library in a pledge to read, and take care of books.
  • Article Photo. Children follow the directions as Ronald McDonald leads them.
    Children follow the directions as Ronald McDonald leads them.
  • Article Photo. The famous clown demonstrates his plate spinning skills.
    The famous clown demonstrates his plate spinning skills.
  • Article Photo. Children laughed throughout Ronald McDonald's show at the Vinton library Thursday morning.
    Children laughed throughout Ronald McDonald's show at the Vinton library Thursday morning.
  • Article Photo. After the show, Ronald posed for pictures with many, including John McNeill.
    After the show, Ronald posed for pictures with many, including John McNeill.
  • Article Photo. Kayla Griffith helped Ronald with one of his routines at the beginning of the show Thursday.
    Kayla Griffith helped Ronald with one of his routines at the beginning of the show Thursday.

Along with the funny things he is known for, Ronald McDonald brought a serious message about the importance to reading to the Summer Reading Program children Thursday  morning at the Vinton library.

"My mom always said you can't tell the difference between someone who does not read and someone who can't read?"" he said. "Reading makes you smarter."

The famous clown led the children in a pledge to read every day and also take care of their books. He also did a few magic tricks, and led the children in some songs.