The article highlights the traditions of spiritual, moral and patriotic education of young readers, laid down in periodicals for children, which were founded by figures of Russian science and culture and were published at the end of the 19th century. The publication of the magazine "Igrushechka" continued in the Soviet era, and then the new Russian realities of the 90s. 20th century were embodied in a children's magazine called "Novaya Igrushechka", which at that time was being worked on by Moscow writers and artists. The authors of the article, thus, convincingly prove the undoubted benefit and importance of preserving the traditions of children's magazine periodicals, which, in an entertaining and accessible form for children, allows them to get involved in reading, instill respect for the history and national values of Russia, and form citizens and patriots of their country in the younger generation.