The market for children’s magazines is worth an estimated £136 million in 2008 having grown strongly in value, up by 44% in real terms on 2003. Always fluid in its composition – over a quarter of current titles have launched post-2006 – a mix of refreshment of established favourites plus new characters and concepts is boosting growth.

Kids enjoy reading and sharing magazines and there is no real indication of replacement by other media, although there are signs of reduced self-purchase. Their enthusiasm together with the all-important part played parental purchase will ensure healthy sales.

BBC Magazines and Egmont continue to lead the market, and are joined in third place by Titan Magazines, which has greatly extended its reach into the early years and pre-teen sectors.

The report asks: “Will kids’ magazines continue to remain largely immune to the pressures that have hit the teenage market so hard?”

Main report themes

The difference in market drivers between the early years and pre-teen sectors

The critical differences between boys and girls as they move beyond the pre-school age

The parental role in purchase and how it might change

Existing and potential involvement with the internet and other digital media.