List of early-20th-century British children's magazines and annuals facts for kids
In Britain, from the mid-1800s onwards, children's magazines and annuals became super popular. Imagine a time before the internet, video games, or even TV! These publications were a big part of how kids entertained themselves and learned. They were like a mix of exciting stories, funny comics, tricky puzzles, and interesting facts, all made just for young readers. Many famous magazines even had their own special "annuals" – these were thicker, yearly collections of the best content, often given as holiday gifts.
This article explores some of the most well-known British children's magazines and annuals, especially those published between 1900 and 1949.
Contents
Classic Magazines for Young Readers
Many magazines aimed at young people offered a wide range of content, from adventure stories to educational articles. They helped shape the reading habits of generations of British children.
The Boy's Own Paper
The Boy's Own Paper was first published in 1879 and ran for a very long time, until 1967. It was one of the most famous magazines for boys. It featured exciting adventure stories, articles about sports, hobbies, and even science. It also had a popular annual version called Boy's Own Annual. This magazine encouraged boys to be brave, honest, and adventurous.
The Girl's Own Paper
Following the success of the boys' magazine, The Girl's Own Paper started in 1880 and continued until 1956. This magazine was designed for girls and included stories, fashion advice, craft ideas, and articles on home skills. It also had an annual, the Girl's Own Annual. It aimed to educate and entertain young women, encouraging them to be well-rounded and capable.
Little Folks
Little Folks was one of the earliest children's magazines, starting way back in 1871. It was aimed at younger children and featured charming stories, poems, and illustrations. It was known for its gentle and imaginative content and was published until 1932.
The Rise of Comic Fun
The mid-20th century saw the explosion of comic magazines, which became incredibly popular for their humorous strips and exciting characters.
The Dandy
First hitting the newsstands in 1937, The Dandy is one of Britain's most iconic comic magazines. It introduced many famous characters, like Desperate Dan, who was known for his super strength. The Dandy was filled with funny stories and adventures, and it entertained children for decades.
The Beano
Just one year after The Dandy, The Beano launched in 1938 and quickly became another huge hit. It featured beloved characters such as Dennis the Menace and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx, and the Bash Street Kids. The Beano is famous for its mischievous characters and slapstick humor, making it a favorite for generations of kids.
Other Popular Comics
Many other comics also captured the imagination of young readers. The Magnet (1908–1940) and The Gem (1907–1939) were famous for their school stories, especially those featuring the characters from Greyfriars School. Later, comics like Rover (1922–1973) and Hotspur (1933–1981) brought thrilling adventure stories to boys. Wizard (1922–1980s) also offered a mix of adventure and sports stories.
News and Knowledge for Kids
Not all publications were just about stories and comics; some aimed to keep young readers informed about the world.
The Children's Newspaper
The Children's Newspaper was a unique publication that started in 1919 and ran until 1965. It was designed to look like a real newspaper but was written specifically for children. It covered news from around the world, scientific discoveries, and interesting facts, helping young readers understand current events in an age-appropriate way.
Other Notable Publications
Many other magazines and annuals contributed to the rich history of children's literature in Britain during this period.
- Jabberwock: A Monthly Magazine for Boys and Girls (1905–1907)
- Schoolgirl's Own Annual (1921–1936)
- Greyfriars Holiday Annual (1920s)
- British Girl's Annual (1920s)
- Hulton's Girls' Stories (1920s)
- Mrs Strang's Annual (1919–1926)
- Oxford Annual for Girls (1927–1939)
- Girls' Friend (1899–1931)
- Girls' Realm (1890s–1914)
- School Friend (1919–1929)
- Schoolgirl (1929–1940)
- Modern Wonder (1930s and early 1940s)
- Every Girl's Magazine (1878–?)
- The Lion Annual (1954–1982)
These magazines and annuals played a huge role in the lives of British children for many decades. They provided entertainment, education, and a window into the world, long before digital media existed.
See also
