Kingfisher Publications Recall of Children’s Easter Books

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2004
Release # 04-110
Firm’s Hotline: (800) 289-4371
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Kingfisher Publications Announce Recall of Children’s Easter Books

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: My Easter Basket Book

Units: About 5,000

Manufacturer/Importer: Kingfisher Publications PLC, a UK-based subsidiary of Houghton Mifflin Company, of Boston, Mass.

Hazard: A sponge “touch-and-feel” item inside the book can detach or small pieces can be torn away, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a child who began to choke. No reports of injuries.

Description: The cardboard book has “My Easter Basket Book” printed on the cover in pink letters over an Easter basket. “First Holiday Books” and “Touch & feel” also are written on the cover. The book includes photos of marshmallow candy, plush toys, lollipops and candy typically found in Easter baskets. The book incorporates textured touch-and feel-surfaces. “KINGFISHER” is written on the book’s spine and back cover.

Sold at: Retailers nationwide from February 2004 through March 2004 for about $8.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take these books away from young children immediately, and return the books to Kingfisher Publications PLC, Customer Service, 181 Ballardvale St., Wilmington, MA 01887 for a refund and postage reimbursement.

Consumer Contact: Call Kingfisher toll-free at (800) 289-4371 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, send an e-mail to trade_customer_service@hmco.com.

Picture of Recalled Book