CPSC And Farrar, Straus & Giroux Announce Recall Of Children's Book, "Hey Diddle Diddle"

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc. of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 52,000 copies of the children's book, "HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE," by James Marshall.

The book, which is intended for small children, tells the story of the nursery rhyme, "Hey Diddle Diddle." This book constructed with heavy cardboard pages includes a triangular-shaped rattle within the spine of the book.

The caps on the end of the rattle can detach releasing the rattle's plastic pellets. If ingested, the pellets can be inhaled into the lungs, causing breathing problems, recurring pneumonia, and even lung collapse that can lead to death. In addition, the rattle caps present a choking hazard for small children.

The publisher reported to CPSC two instances of the cap ends separating from the rattles. Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc and CPSC are not aware of any injuries involving the "Hey Diddle Diddle" book. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The book, which measures approximately 6 inches by 5 1/4 inches, includes 10 heavy cardboard pages with a long, triangular-shaped rattle built into the spine. The front of the book reads, "HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE," includes the name of the author, and depicts a cow jumping over a crescent moon. The back of the book reads, "*** A RATTLE BOARD BOOK Farrar Straus Giroux New York."

The books were sold by Walden Books, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers nationwide, as well as by The Book Club of the Month, from August to December 1994 for about $5.95.

Consumers should take the book away from young children immediately and return it to the store where purchased for a refund of the purchase price. Consumers who received the book from The Book Club of the Month will be notified directly about the refund. For more information on this recall, call Farrar, Straus & Giroux at (800) 788-6262.