This study examines how Romanian children’s magazines from the Stalinist era, Cravata roșie, Pionierul, Licurici, and Pogonici, contributed to the cult of personality surrounding Communist leaders. It explores how these publications depicted figures such as Stalin, Lenin, and Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej as virtuous, fatherly, and visionary builders of a just and egalitarian society. The research combines quantitative tracking of leader appearances with qualitative analysis of visual and textual strategies, including stylised biographies and idealised illustrations. The findings reveal that these magazines fostered emotional bonds between children and the authority figures, reinforced ideological loyalty, and promoted collective moral values. Formalised stories frequently blended fact and fiction in order to emphasise their modest origins and exceptional traits, while enhancing political legitimacy. By demonstrating how children’s media shaped perceptions and identities, this study highlights the role of propaganda in targeting young audiences during a period of significant political and social change. It also serves as a historical warning for the present day, by drawing attention to the susceptibility of children’s minds to influence and underscoring the importance of media literacy.
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