Periodicals and Magazines for Children
earliest magazines focused on moral stories and religious instruction. Lighter
literature for children followed; by the middle of the nineteenth century there
were many amusing publications featuring a mix of fiction, nonfiction, puzzles,
and lively columns of letters and submissions from readers. Many magazines were published
monthly, but were also issued in bound form on a regular basis — often annually, and
appearing in stores in early December, just in time for purchase as gifts.
The Juvenile Miscellany, published in Boston 1826-1836, was
didactic, but not aggressively pious. It emphasized patriotic
historical accounts and helped shape a vision of American
childhood as middle class and secure. Aunt Judy’s Magazine
(1866-1885 ) featured more “serious” content: science, philosophy,
and stories by noted authors like Lewis Carroll and Hans Christian
Anderson. Both publications were designed for both boys and girls.
By mid-century though, girls’ magazines were popular and
common. The Child’s Pictorial (1885-1896) was edited by prolific
author, Mrs. Molesworth and frequently included her stories. Like
many of the publications of the Society for Promoting Christian
Knowledge, it had numerous illustrations in color. The Girl’s Realm
Annual (1898-1915) was a progressive publication that featured
articles on physical activities for girls, non-traditional careers for
women, and women’s suffrage. The Girl’s Own Annual, published
by the Religious Tract Society, was more conservative politically.
It offered its adolescent readers fiction, poetry, fashion, travel
accounts, recipes, and instructions for crafts.
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Child, Lydia Maria, and Sarah Josepha Buell Hale, editors. Juvenile Miscellany. Boston: Printed
and published by John Putnam, 1827.
Eden, Horatia, K. F. Gatty, Juliana Horatia Ewing, and Alfred Gatty, editors. Aunt Judy’s
Magazine. London: Bell and Daldy, 1867.
Mrs. Molesworth (Mary Louisa), editor. The Child’s Pictorial: Annual Volume. London; Brighton:
Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, Northumberland Avenue, Sept. 1886.
Leeder, S. H., editor. The Girl’s Realm Annual. London: Cassell and Co., 1899.
Peters, Charles, Flora Klickmann, and Gladys Spratt, editors. Girls’ Own Annual. London:
“Leisure Hour” Office, 1880.