Children's Cloth Books Recalled Because Of Small Parts Hazard

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Random House, New York, NY, today announced the voluntary recall of cloth books called My Button Book and Hello Kitty's Button Book because there is a risk that the buttons can be pulled off and are small enough to be a choking hazard to children under three.

Approximately 72,000 of these books have been distributed nationwide since 1981. The books sell for approximately $3.50 each. CPSC is not aware of any injuries involving these books nor has Random House received any complaints.

The My Button Book is made of fabric, and the front looks like a yellow sweater or shirt with a duck design is green, blue, red and white. There is blue trim around the neck, the center front and the bottom and three white plastic buttons and button holes down the center front opening. Inside the book there are five pages depicting children buttoning various types of clothing. The Ply Button Books are packaged in clear plastic bags with bright yellow cardboard headers which are labeled in part "A DO-IT cloth book . . , I CAN DRESS MYSELF, CAN YOU? . . Random House".

Hello Kitty's Button Book is made of fabric and looks like a pair of blue coveralls with four white paws showing. There is a yellow button at each shoulder of the coverall. The coveralls are buttoned around a cardboard Hello Kitty figure with a white kitten face and red bow on the left ear. There are pictures inside showing Kitty buttoning various garments. There is a label over Hello Kitty's head which reads in part, "A DO-IT cloth book . . . Random House".

Consumers should remove these books from use immediately and return them to the retailer where purchased for a full refund. Retailers should remove the books from sale immediately and return them to the Random House for refund.

For further information, consumers may call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.