CPSC recall · Reported September 17, 2003
CPSC, Simon & Schuster Announce Recall of Children's Books
A plastic replica of a balloon, attached to the book, can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Simon and Schuster Inc., of New York, N.y. recalled The heavy-cardboard book has "Whose Birthday Is It?" printed on the cover in yellow lette….
CPSC, Simon & Schuster Announce Recall of Children's Books was recalled by Simon and Schuster Inc., of New York, N.y. in September 17, 2003. Reason: A plastic replica of a balloon, attached to the book, can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.. Remedy: Consumers should take these books away from young children immediately and contact Simon …. Verify recall #03186 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Simon and Schuster Inc., of New York, N.y. issued this CPSC recall-A plastic replica of a balloon, attached to the book, can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children..
- None
- agency class
- 26K units
- affected scope
- September 17, 2003
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03186 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Household Products recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 3,089 household products recalls on record
Product 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.
Reason for recall
A plastic replica of a balloon, attached to the book, can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should take these books away from young children immediately and contact Simon & Schuster, to receive a replacement book.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Not classified by agency |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 03186 |
| Date reported | September 17, 2003 |
| Date initiated | September 17, 2003 |
| Recalling firm | Simon and Schuster Inc., of New York, N.y. |
| Affected scope | 26,000 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should take these books away from young children immediately and contact Simon & Schuster, to receive a replacement boo…
- Check the recall number (03186) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
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Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing
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Similar severity · nearest report date
Same archive severity grade, closest by report date among other firms and states.
Similar Household Products · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
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Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026