Did you know that Wednesday 14th October 2026 is the first ever National Magazine Day in the UK? More than 70,000 magazines are being distributed to children across the country – including stacks of Whizz Pop Bang and Hoopla magazines! We’re delighted to be involved, and so excited to think of all the science fun, creative projects, incredible facts, puzzles, jokes and more that will be landing in so many children’s hands.
But why celebrate magazines? If you’ve ever seen a child get lost between the covers of a magazine, you’ll know there’s something rather special about them. Keep reading to find out how to find free magazines below. Reading a digital copy of Whizz Pop Bang or Hoopla magazine is a great way to celebrate National Magazine Day!
Why are magazines so good for children’s reading?
Some children are born readers and think nothing of racing through a chunky chapter book before bed. But some children like to relax with something lighter, more visual, less daunting. And who doesn’t want to discover incredible facts, put pen to paper and solve some puzzles, giggle at a comic or try a craft activity?
And that’s where magazines come in!
There’s no right way to read a magazine. Children can start at the back, read a page a day (or the whole thing at once), know where to find their favourite feature, only read the headlines and look at the pictures… anything goes.
For children who find reading difficult or aren’t particularly enthusiastic about books, that freedom can make all the difference.
Magazines also offer:
- Bite-sized reading: Short articles and interesting facts that don’t feel overwhelming.
- Something for everyone: Whizz Pop Bang focusses on science, and Hoopla is perfect for curious, creative kids. But there are magazines available about everything from aircraft to zoos, and everything in between!
- Plenty to look at: Colourful illustrations, photographs and comics that help bring the words to life.
- A reason to keep reading: One fascinating fact can lead to a whole new interest.
And the best bit? Children are reading because they’ve found something they genuinely want to know about.
70,000 magazines heading into children’s hands!
National Magazine Day is part of the National Year of Reading 2026, a nationwide campaign encouraging people to rediscover the pleasure of reading.
Publishers across the UK have worked together to provide and distribute more than 70,000 magazines through schools, food banks, breakfast clubs and community organisations, helping more children access exciting reading materials.
We’re proud to have contributed a large number of Whizz Pop Bang and Hoopla magazines to the campaign.
From mind-blowing science discoveries to imaginative activities and puzzles, we hope our magazines will introduce lots of children to something new (and hopefully help them discover a love of reading along the way).
Find out more about National Magazine Day here.
Celebrate National Magazine Day with a FREE children’s magazine!
You don’t need to be part of the official giveaway to join in!
To celebrate, we’re inviting families everywhere to try one of our magazines for free. Just choose the one that suits your child and start exploring.
🔬 Whizz Pop Bang – for curious kids aged 6–12
Packed with fascinating facts, science experiments, amazing discoveries and puzzles, Whizz Pop Bang brings science to life for young readers.
🌈 Hoopla – for curious kids aged 4–9
A happy mix of stories, crafts, nature discoveries, cooking, puzzles and activities to try at home.
Whether your child reads every page or heads straight for an activity that catches their eye, we hope they enjoy discovering something new.
Happy National Magazine Day!