The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·95064·Announced 1995-01-23

Recall of Children's Book with Detachable Rattle Pellets

Farrar, Straus & Giroux is recalling 52,000 copies of the children's book "Hey Diddle Diddle" because rattle caps can detach, creating a choking hazard.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a choking hazard and potential lung injury from ingested pellets, which fits the rubric for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc. and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are voluntarily recalling approximately 52,000 copies of the children's book "Hey Diddle Diddle" by James Marshall. The book, intended for small children, features heavy cardboard pages and a triangular-shaped rattle built into the spine.

The recall is necessary because the caps on the ends of the rattle can detach, releasing plastic pellets. If ingested, these pellets can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing breathing problems, recurring pneumonia, lung collapse, or death. The rattle caps also present a direct choking hazard for small children. The publisher reported two instances of the cap ends separating from the rattles, though no injuries have been reported.

The books were sold nationwide by Walden Books, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers, as well as by The Book Club of the Month, from August to December 1994 for approximately $5.95. Consumers should immediately take the book away from young children and return it to the store of purchase for a refund. Recipients from The Book Club of the Month will be notified directly regarding the refund.

The recalled product

Product
CPSC And Farrar, Straus & Giroux Announce Recall Of Children's Book, "Hey Diddle Diddle"
Manufacturer
Walden Books
Category
Consumer Product — Children's Books
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · choking

See all →