Marseille welcomes a new player in children’s publishing: Club Junior. This bimonthly newspaper, aimed at ages 8 to 13, launched its first issue in July. Véronique Brambilla, the editor-in-chief, previously contributed to the 2012 book “The Story of French pastry.”
Brambilla conceived Club Junior, billed as “the magazine that disconnects screens,” from her own experience with screen-addicted nephews. “I witnessed jaw-dropping situations where my screen-addicted nephews would rummage through their parents’ room searching for the computer,” she explained. “When they visited me, I created vacation notebooks to help them disconnect.”
A creative Outlet for Young Minds
To shape Club Junior‘s content, Brambilla surveyed around twenty
Did you know? – Véronique Brambilla, editor-in-chief of Club Junior, drew inspiration from her nephews’ screen addiction. She observed their behavior and created vacation notebooks to encourage them to disconnect from technology.
children. They expressed a desire for less facts and fewer illustrations than traditional magazines offer. Their feedback guided the creation of the magazine’s five sections.
The inaugural issue features a journalistic report on holiday themes, aligning with current events. The next issue will focus on architectural heritage,coinciding with european Heritage Days. The magazine also includes two stories, one featuring a classic author’s work, accompanied by comprehension questions children requested. Two original comic strips lead into a 40-page summer game section.
A standout feature is the “junior editorial staff” section. This dedicated space publishes texts and comics created by children, selected by a committee of young readers. Brambilla aims to provide a platform for children “to express themselves, let go, and write or draw their wishes, thoughts, and moods, much like a diary.” this fosters interest, connection, and solidarity in reading children’s publications.
Pro tip: – Club Junior prioritizes child input. The magazine’s content is shaped by feedback from young readers, ensuring it aligns with their interests and preferences for a more engaging experience.
Club Junior is available at newsstands in the region and through subscriptions at clubjunior.fr. A single issue costs 5.50 euros.
Reader question: – What do you think about the magazine’s focus on disconnecting from screens? Share your thoughts on the importance of balancing screen time with other activities.
