The Rubber Duck

A rubber duck is a small, yellow toy that floats in water. It is one of the most famous bath toys in the world. Almost everyone has seen or played with a rubber duck during bath time.

The History of Rubber Ducks

The first rubber ducks were made in the late 1800s when rubber manufacturing became common. Early rubber ducks were solid and heavy. They were chew toys, not bath toys.

In the 1940s, rubber ducks began to be made hollow so they could float. They became popular bath toys for babies and toddlers. The famous yellow rubber duck became an icon of childhood.

Rubber Ducks in Pop Culture

Rubber ducks have appeared in TV shows, movies, and songs. The character Ernie on Sesame Street made the song "Rubber Duckie" famous in 1970. The song was even nominated for a Grammy Award.

A giant rubber duck sculpture by artist Florentijn Hofman has traveled to cities around the world. It is as tall as a six-story building! Rubber duck races, where thousands of ducks float down a river, are popular charity events.

Fun Facts

• Ernie's Rubber Duckie song from Sesame Street reached number 16 on the music charts.
• In 1992, thousands of rubber ducks fell off a ship and floated across the ocean for years.
• A giant rubber duck sculpture stands as tall as a six-story building.

Did You Know?

In 1992, a shipping container of 28,000 rubber ducks fell into the Pacific Ocean. Scientists tracked where they floated to learn about ocean currents.