Zipper

Hello. My name is Zipper. Do you know the fun sound I make. It goes zzzzzip. I love making my zipping sound. A long, long time ago, before I came to help, getting dressed was very slow. People had to use lots of little buttons. Button, button, button. It took so long. They used tricky shoelaces with loops and knots. It was hard for little fingers to do all that work. But then, an idea for me came along to help everyone get ready in a zip.

At first, a man named Whitcomb L. Judson had an idea for me. He wanted to make closing shoes much faster than laces. His idea was a good start, but I was a little clumsy and did not always work right. I felt a bit wobbly. But then, a very kind and clever man named Gideon Sundback came to help me. On a special day, December 20th, 1913, he gave me my two rows of tiny teeth. They look like two little smiles all in a line, waiting to hug. He also gave me a little slider car. When my slider car drives up my track, my two rows of teeth lock together perfectly. Click, click, click. All the way to the top. I felt so strong and proud. I was finally ready to help everyone.

Do you know how I got my name. It came from the happy sound I make. Zip. People loved how fast I could close things up. I zipped up tall boots. I zipped up big bags. Everyone thought I was so helpful and quick. Now, I am everywhere. I live on your big warm jacket to keep you cozy and safe from the wind. I live on your backpack that holds your special toys and books for school. I even live on your pencil case to keep your colorful crayons safe. I love helping you get ready for all your adventures in a zip.