Scholastic Recalls Shake Look Touch Books Due to Choking Hazard

What was recalled

If you have a Scholastic "Shake Look Touch" book in your home, particularly one intended for early childhood development, it is important to know that this specific item has been subject to a voluntary recall by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall was initiated on July 7, 2022, after Scholastic identified a potential safety issue with certain plush books designed for young children. This product line falls under the category of consumer products that aim to engage sensory learning through touch and feel components, but in this specific instance, the design feature intended to be interactive has become a safety concern.

The recalled items are specifically the "Shake Look Touch" books. These are not standard paperbacks; they are plush books constructed with soft materials to provide a tactile experience for toddlers and young readers. The books measure 5.9 x 1.7 x 8.4 inches, making them a manageable size for small hands. The defining characteristic of this recall is the presence of decorative elements: the affected books have pink and green pom poms attached to their covers with string. It is crucial to note that only books featuring these specific pom poms are included in the recall. If you own a Scholastic plush book but it does not have these attached pom poms, it is not part of this specific safety alert.

Scholastic has confirmed that the primary issue lies with the attachment of these decorative components. While the company has received two reports of the pom poms detaching from the books, no injuries have been reported to date. However, the risk remains significant because detached small parts can pose a serious choking hazard to young children who may put such items in their mouths. The CPSC and Scholastic issued this recall as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential harm, emphasizing that even without reported injuries, the possibility of detachment is enough to warrant immediate action.

While the specific details regarding the total number of units sold or the exact dates and locations of sale are not fully detailed in the current public record provided by the CPSC, the scope of the recall covers all Scholastic "Shake Look Touch" books that include the pink and green pom poms attached with string. Consumers who purchased these books at any time prior to the July 7, 2022 recall date should inspect their copies carefully. The brand remains Scholastic, a well-known publisher of children's books, but this particular product line has been flagged for safety review due to the choking risk associated with the detachable decorative elements.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, the Scholastic "Shake Look Touch" books are designed to delight young children through sensory exploration. These plush books feature bright colors and soft textures, inviting little hands to interact with the pages. However, the specific danger lies in the construction of the interactive elements attached to these covers. The recalled items include pink and green pom poms that are affixed to the book using only a simple string. While this attachment method may seem secure enough for light play, it lacks the structural integrity required to withstand the vigorous pulling, tugging, and shaking that is characteristic of toddler behavior.

The physical mechanism of failure here is straightforward but significant. When a child grabs onto one of these pom poms—a natural instinct given their bright colors and soft, inviting texture—they often pull with considerable force. Because the pom poms are held on by thin string rather than being securely stitched or glued into the fabric, the tension from pulling can easily overcome the strength of the thread. Once that string snaps or slips free, the pom pom becomes a completely detached object. It no longer serves as an educational tool but transforms instantly into a loose, small item within reach of the child.

This detachment creates a severe choking hazard because of the size and nature of the component. Pom poms are small enough to fit entirely into a young child’s airway, which is already quite narrow. For children under the age of three, whose swallowing mechanisms are not fully developed and who have a natural tendency to explore the world by putting objects in their mouths, this presents a critical risk. If such a detached pom pom is inhaled rather than swallowed or spit out, it can obstruct the flow of air into the lungs. This blockage prevents oxygen from reaching vital organs, leading to suffocation in a matter of minutes.

It is important to understand that choking is not always dramatic or noisy. A small object can lodge in the windpipe silently, causing distress that may be difficult for caregivers to detect immediately until breathing becomes labored. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received two reports confirming that these pom poms do indeed detach from the books. While no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for harm is real and immediate. The hazard is not theoretical; it is a direct consequence of the physical design allowing small parts to separate under normal play conditions. This is why the remedy focuses on removing the attachment point entirely—by cutting off the pom poms, you eliminate the possibility of them becoming loose projectiles in your child’s mouth.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk in this recall consists of young children, specifically toddlers and infants who are in the developmental stage where they explore their environment primarily through touch and oral exploration. Scholastic designed the Shake Look Touch series as a plush interactive book intended to engage early learners with various textures and sensory experiences. While these features are beneficial for cognitive and motor skill development, they inadvertently create a trap for the youngest users. Children under the age of three naturally put objects in their mouths as part of their learning process. Because the recalled books feature pom poms attached by string, there is a significant danger that a curious child will pull on the string, causing the pom pom to detach completely. Once detached, the small, round object becomes an immediate choking hazard, capable of blocking the airway and preventing breathing.

The vulnerability is heightened because these items are often marketed as "touch and feel" books, encouraging physical interaction. Parents and caregivers may assume that because the book is soft and plush, it is safe for rough handling. However, the specific construction of the recalled units—where decorative elements are tethered rather than fully integrated into the fabric—creates a false sense of security. A child does not need to bite down hard to dislodge a pom pom; simple tugging or shaking, which is part of the book's intended function, can cause detachment. This makes the hazard particularly insidious because the act of playing with the toy as designed is what triggers the danger.

While no injuries have been reported to date, the potential consequences for this demographic are severe. Infants and toddlers have smaller airways than older children or adults, meaning even small objects like detached pom poms can completely obstruct breathing. Furthermore, young children may not be able to cough up an object or signal that they are choking effectively. This recall highlights a critical intersection between educational play and safety: items intended to stimulate sensory development must withstand the vigorous handling typical of early childhood without shedding small parts. The risk is not just for the child holding the book, but for any young sibling or friend who might take the book away from its primary user, as these items are frequently shared in households with multiple children of varying ages.

Caregivers should also consider the developmental stage of the specific child in question. Children who are teething or who have a habit of mouthing toys are at higher risk than those who do not. Additionally, while the book measures 5.9 x 1.7 x 8.4 inches and is designed for small hands, the detachable components are what matter most. If a child has access to these books, they must be supervised closely until the hazard is mitigated by removing the pom poms entirely. The goal of this section is not to cause panic but to emphasize that "safe for play" does not always mean "safe for unsupervised use," especially when small detachable parts are involved.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Finding the specific book in your home can feel a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack, but Scholastic has provided clear physical markers that make identification straightforward once you know what to look for. The recall targets a very specific type of children’s book known as the "Shake Look Touch" book. This is not just any standard hardcover or paperback; it is a plush book designed with touch-and-feel components to engage young senses. If the book in your possession is made of soft, fabric-like material rather than paper, that is your first major clue. The title "Shake Look Touch" should be prominently displayed on the cover, but the physical construction is the most reliable identifier.

The most distinct feature of these recalled books is the presence of pom poms. According to the CPSC recall facts, only books with pom poms are included in this recall. You need to look closely at the surface of the book for pink and green pom poms attached by string. If your plush book has these colorful, fuzzy spheres sewn or glued onto it, it falls directly under the scope of this safety alert. It is important to note that if you have a "Shake Look Touch" book without these specific decorative elements, it is not part of this recall. However, given the nature of the hazard, any plush toy with small detachable parts warrants careful inspection regardless.

To confirm you have the exact item, check the dimensions of the book. The recalled books measure 5.9 x 1.7 x 8.4 inches. While this size might seem standard for a child’s board book, comparing it to a ruler or measuring tape can help rule out other similar titles. If the plush book matches these measurements and features the pink and green pom poms, you have the recalled item. There is no mention of specific serial numbers or lot codes in the current facts, so rely on the visual and dimensional cues: the brand (Scholastic), the title ("Shake Look Touch"), the plush material, the specific pink and green pom poms, and the size. If you are unsure whether a book was purchased recently or long ago, the recall applies to all units sold with these features, so it is best to err on the side of caution. When in doubt, compare your book against the description provided by Scholastic via their toll-free number at 888-724-1872 or by visiting www.scholastic.com/slt for visual references and further clarification.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

In the world of product recalls, the term "remedy" can sometimes feel vague or overwhelming, but in this specific case involving Scholastic’s Shake Look Touch books, the process has been designed to be straightforward, accessible, and surprisingly generous. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Scholastic have established a clear path for resolution that prioritizes your safety while offering tangible compensation. Instead of simply asking you to destroy the item or mailing it back at your own expense—a common frustration in many recalls—the company has opted for a digital-first approach that rewards compliance with a monetary incentive. This is not just about removing a hazard; it is about making the right choice the easiest and most financially sensible one for you.

The primary remedy offered here is a $10 gift card. It is important to understand exactly how this works, as there are specific conditions attached to receiving it. You do not get the gift card simply for owning the book or even for reporting the issue verbally. The process requires active participation and verification of safety compliance. To qualify, you must register online at www.recallrtr.com/slt. During this registration, you will be asked to submit a photograph of the recalled book itself, as well as a separate photo showing the pom poms after they have been removed. This visual proof is critical because it confirms two things: that you indeed possess the recalled item and, more importantly, that you have taken the necessary safety step to neutralize the choking hazard.

You might wonder why Scholastic requires you to cut off the pom poms rather than just returning the book. The answer lies in the nature of the defect. The hazard is specifically the detachable pom poms attached by string. By instructing consumers to remove these components, the company is ensuring that the immediate danger is eliminated instantly, without waiting for a logistics chain to process returns. Once you have cut the pom poms off and taken the required photos, you must affirm in the online registration that you will dispose of the removed pom poms in the trash. This affirmation is a legal and safety checkpoint; it ensures that the dangerous parts do not end up in a landfill where they could still pose a risk to wildlife or other children. Only after this affirmation and photo submission are completed will you receive your $10 gift card.

This approach transforms what could be a tedious administrative task into a simple safety ritual. After you have successfully registered and received your gift card, the book itself is no longer a hazard. Scholastic explicitly states that consumers can continue to use the book for its intended purpose—tactile play and storytelling—once the pom poms are removed and disposed of. This means you do not need to throw away the entire educational toy. You retain the value of the core product while eliminating the risk. If you encounter any issues during this process, such as trouble uploading photos or questions about the registration portal, Scholastic has provided a dedicated toll-free line at 888-724-1872, available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. They also direct users to www.scholastic.com/slt or the "Product Safety" section at the bottom of their main website for additional support. This multi-channel support ensures that you are not left guessing if something goes wrong with your recall participation.

What can happen if you ignore it

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a distinct choking risk associated with detachable components on children’s books, the underlying principle applies to virtually every category of consumer product designed for young children: vigilance regarding small parts is one of the most effective ways to prevent household injuries. As caregivers, our instinct is often to trust that products meeting initial safety standards remain safe throughout their lifecycle. However, wear and tear can compromise structural integrity over time. For plush toys, interactive books, and any item featuring "touch and feel" elements like buttons, beads, or fabric attachments, regular inspection is crucial. You should periodically check these items for loose stitching, fraying threads, or weakened adhesives. If a component feels unstable or looks like it might give way under gentle tugging, it is safer to remove that element or retire the item entirely, rather than waiting for it to detach during play.

Beyond physical inspection of individual items, staying informed about product safety is an essential part of modern parenting. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other regulatory bodies issue recalls not just when injuries have occurred, but often when a potential hazard is identified before harm takes place. This proactive approach is valuable for all consumers, regardless of whether they own the specific recalled item. To stay ahead of these updates, consider subscribing to email alerts from the CPSC or checking their website regularly. Many major retailers also send notifications if a product you have purchased is later found to be defective. Being aware of these channels ensures that you can act quickly when new information emerges, protecting not only your own family but potentially others who may encounter the same product.

Finally, it is helpful to understand the developmental context of choking hazards. Children under the age of three are particularly vulnerable because they explore the world through their mouths and have not yet developed the ability to fully assess the size of objects relative to their airways. The "small parts cylinder" test is a standard industry guideline used to determine if an item is safe for children under three; if an object fits entirely inside this cylinder, it should not be given to a child in that age group. While manufacturers are required to follow these guidelines, accidents can still happen due to manufacturing defects or misuse. Therefore, creating a safe environment involves more than just buying certified toys. It means actively engaging with your children during playtime, supervising their interactions with new items, and fostering an open dialogue about safety as they grow older. By combining regular product checks with general awareness of safety standards, you create a layered defense that significantly reduces the risk of accidental injury in the home.