Recall: Children's Books Recalled by Simon & Schuster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 17, 2003 Release # 03-186

Company Phone Number: (800) 223-2336 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Simon & Schuster Announce Recall of Children's Books

WASHINGTON, D.C. - 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: Dora the Explorer Children's Board Book

Units: 26,000

Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Inc., of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: A plastic replica of a balloon attached to the book can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None.

Description: The heavy-cardboard book has "Whose Birthday Is It?" printed on the cover in yellow letters. Dora the Explorer cartoon characters are pictured on each page. A cutout in the top left corner of book has a small plastic replica of a balloon attached. The yellow and orange balloon is used as a slide to reveal answers to questions in the book.

Sold at: Discount department stores and bookstores nationwide during August 2003 for about $10.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take these books away from young children immediately and contact Simon & Schuster at the Consumer Contact number indicated below to receive a replacement book.

Consumer Contact: Call Simon & Schuster toll-free at (800) 223-2336 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.simonsayskids.com

Media Contact: Adam Rothberg at (212) 698-1132.