CPSC Recall in 1994: Harpercollins Publishers Recall Children's Book, "Christmas In The Manger"

Updated on March 25, 2026.

See the recall details below. You can also see similar information for other consumer product recalls in 1994.

Data Source: CPSC.

Recall Number: 95-039

Date: November 30, 1994

Product Name: "CHRISTMAS IN THE MANGER" children's book

Recall Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, HarperCollins Publishers, New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 46,500 copies of the children's book, "CHRISTMAS IN THE MANGER," by Nola Buck and Felicia Bond. The book, which is for small children, depicts the Christmas nativity story and incorporates textured surfaces on each picture page. The page showing the Three Wise Men is decorated with three, colored, plastic, artificial, jewels pasted to the page. The plastic jewels may separate during use and are small parts, which present a potentially serious risk of being aspirated into a small child's lungs. The publisher reported to CPSC when they learned of two instances where the artificial jewels became detached. Neither the firm nor CPSC is aware of any injuries involving the book. The recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The book measures approximately 6 inches by 6 1/2 inches and incorporates seven heavy paper pages plus the cover held together by a white, plastic, spiral binding. The front of the book bears the title, "CHRISTMAS IN THE MANGER," along with the names of the author and illustrator and shows the manger scene, while the back of the book reads, "HarperFestival A Division of HarperCollins Publishers *** Manufactured in China." The books were sold by Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers nationwide from September to November 15, 1994, for about $9.95. The books should immediately be taken away from young children and returned to the store where purchased for a refund of the purchase price. For more information on this recall, call HarperCollins at (800) 538-8856, or the CPSC at (800) 638-CPSC. The firm may correct and continue to distribute their inventory of the same books by substituting paper for the plastic jewels. The corrected books would not be subject to this recall action.

Hazard Description:

The page showing the Three Wise Men is decorated with three, colored, plastic, artificial, jewels pasted to the page. The plastic jewels may separate during use and are small parts, which present a potentially serious risk of being aspirated into a small child's lungs.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Refund

Units: About 46,500

Incidents:

Neither the firm nor CPSC is aware of any injuries involving the book.

Sold At:

The books were sold by Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers nationwide from September to November 15, 1994, for about $9.95.

Manufactured In:

China