The Teddy Bear

The teddy bear is one of the most beloved stuffed animals in the world. It is a soft, cuddly toy shaped like a bear. Teddy bears have been making kids feel safe and happy for over 100 years.

How the Teddy Bear Got Its Name

The teddy bear is named after President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt. In 1902, Roosevelt went on a hunting trip. Some people tied up a bear for him to shoot, but he refused. He said it was not fair to the animal.

A newspaper drew a cartoon about the story. A toy maker named Morris Michtom saw the cartoon and made a stuffed bear. He called it Teddy's Bear, and it became a huge hit.

Teddy Bears Around the World

Teddy bears are popular all over the world. In Germany, a company called Steiff also started making toy bears around the same time. Their bears had a special button in the ear.

Today, teddy bears come in all sizes. Some are tiny enough to fit in your pocket. Others are bigger than a real bear. Many kids sleep with their teddy bears every night.

Fun Facts

• The teddy bear is named after President Theodore Roosevelt.
• The most expensive teddy bear ever sold cost over $2 million.
• There is a teddy bear museum in England with thousands of bears.

Did You Know?

Teddy bears were one of the first stuffed animals ever made for children to play with.