“Don’t read Soviet newspapers before lunch,” said Professor Preobrazhensky in Bulgakov’s Heart of a Dog, remember? Soviet newspapers are now a thing of the past, and mailboxes often stay empty. But we still recall those mornings when we rushed to grab the latest issue—or waited for the postman to hand us our long-awaited subscription.
Along with daily newspapers, Soviet families subscribed to many magazines on various topics. These came out once or twice a month—fashion magazines, automotive and motorcycle journals, science, and literary publications. But today, we want to talk about children’s magazines that were published in the USSR. You’ll also find out which of these have reached the 100-year mark and which are still bringing joy to young readers today.
The First Children’s Magazines: Before and After the Revolution
Children’s magazines existed even before the revolution. In fact, as early as the 18th century, Russia had its first children’s magazine: Children’s Reading for the Heart and Mind (Детское чтение для сердца и разума), published in the late 1700s. Remarkably, it was available for free.
Until the revolution, many children’s magazines were printed in Russia. Books were expensive, but magazines offered fairy tales, stories, and poems that were more accessible. Kids also used them to learn to read.
After the revolution, there was a brief period when the country’s priorities didn’t include children. But right after the Civil War, the new government began recruiting children’s writers to create educational content. A new country needed new children—raised with the right values. Thus, Soviet children’s literature began to develop rapidly, albeit with a strong ideological slant.
Vanished Children’s Magazines
In the early years, the Soviet Union was in flux, and new magazines would appear and disappear for various reasons. We know about some of them only from archives and memoirs.
New Robinson (Новый Робинзон)
A short-lived magazine published from 1924 to 1925, unofficially led by poet Samuil Marshak. It was shut down for being “too fairy-tale-like”—not in line with the realistic literature that authorities wanted for children.
The Hedgehog (Ёж, short for Еженедельный Журнал)
After New Robinson was shut down, Marshak launched this new magazine, published from 1928 to 1935 for young pioneers. It featured works by Daniil Kharms, Nikolay Zabolotsky, and Mikhail Zoshchenko. Political pressure ultimately led to its closure.
The Siskin (Чиж)
A magazine for preschoolers published from 1930 to 1941. In the late 1930s, many of its contributors were arrested. The new editorial team shifted focus to ideology, but the magazine remained popular up to World War II.
The Drum (Барабан)
A magazine created specifically for Moscow’s young pioneers. Published from 1923 to 1926, it was eventually merged with Pioneer (Пионер) magazine.
A Record-Breaking Magazine
Among the first children’s magazines, there’s one that turned 100 in 2024! It’s Murzilka (Мурзилка), first published in 1924. It’s amazing that this fun magazine has lasted an entire century—even during World War II, new issues were printed.
Remember the magazine’s mascot? He’s a yellow, fluffy creature with a red beret, a scarf, and a camera. He was created in 1937 by artist Aminadav Kanevsky.
Why is Murzilka a record-holder? In 2011, it was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s longest-running children’s magazine. You can still buy it for your kids or grandkids today — just visit the magazine’s available. They also offer fun merchandise.
Soviet Magazines That Survived to This Day
Let’s take a look at other children’s magazines that were beloved by Soviet kids and are still around today. Despite the internet, some are still published in print and can be ordered online or at your local post office.
Funny Pictures (Весёлые картинки)
Who doesn’t know the cheerful little characters from this magazine—Neznaika, Pencil, Samodelkin, and others? This fun illustrated magazine for kids has been in print since 1956 and is still published in physical form. You can subscribe at the post office, through the magazine’s social media, or on major marketplaces.
Bonfire (Костёр)
A literary magazine for schoolchildren, published since 1936. It helps kids develop critical thinking and broaden their horizons.
As of now, the 2025 subscription has been paused, and there are no updates from the editors on social media about future issues.
Young Naturalist (Юный натуралист)
An educational magazine about nature, biology, and the world around us. First published in 1928, it will soon be celebrating its 100th anniversary. You can subscribe available and read lots of useful content on the website.
Young Technician (Юный техник)
A science and technology magazine for teens who are passionate about engineering and the exact sciences. Published since 1956, it still comes out monthly. Subscriptions are available through the magazine’s website.
A Soviet Magazine with Vinyl Records
One of the most unique children’s magazines was Kolobok (Колобок), published from 1968 to 1992. It included not only stories and fairy tales but also flexible vinyl records. A true two-in-one—read and listen! Sadly, the magazine didn’t survive the economic crisis of the 1990s. Imagine — every month, children received a new record for their collection. Back in the Soviet days, this was hugely popular, especially since kids didn’t have many other ways to listen to music on their own (excluding radio broadcasts, of course).
If you enjoyed this journey into the Soviet past, check out more nostalgic content on our blog. You’ll find articles about classic Soviet board games, as well as quotes from beloved old cartoons.
At our online school, we teach bilingual children whose parents once lived in the Soviet Union. These parents fondly remember the best parts of their childhood — friendship, kindness, and community — and want to pass on their love for the Russian language and culture to their kids.
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