Cootie facts for kids
Cootie is a fun, 3D board game for 2 to 4 players. It's a "roll-and-move" game, meaning you roll a die to see what you can do. The goal is to be the first player to build your very own bug! The game's plastic bug has become super famous. For many, it reminds them of the "baby boomer" generation, which was born after World War II.
The Game of Cootie
How to Play Cootie
In Cootie, players take turns rolling a die. Each number on the die lets you add a different part to your bug. For example, rolling a certain number might let you add a head, a leg, or an antenna. You need to collect all the parts to finish your bug. The first player to complete their Cootie bug wins the game! It's a simple game that's easy to learn and fun for families.
The History of Cootie
The modern Cootie game was invented in 1948 by a person named William Schaper. He created the game in his garage in Minnesota, USA. It was a big hit right away! The game officially launched in 1949 and sold millions of copies very quickly.
From Idea to Icon
Before William Schaper's game, there were other games called "Cootie" in the early 1900s. However, Schaper's version was special because it was the first to have a free-standing, plastic bug that players built. This unique feature made it stand out. The game became a classic and a symbol of childhood for many people growing up in the mid-20th century.
Cootie Today
Today, the Cootie game is still popular. It is now made by Hasbro, a very large toy company. Hasbro owns a company called Milton Bradley, which produces the game. In 2003, Cootie was recognized as a truly important toy. It was added to the "Century of Toys List" by the Toy Industry Association. This list celebrates the most memorable and important toys from the last 100 years.