CPSC, Advantage Publishers Group Announce Recall to Replace Educational Kits
Recall at a glance
- Recall number
- 01-193 (CPSC)
- Recall date
- July 10, 2001
- Brand
- Advantage Publishers
- Category
- Other consumer products
- Products
- Let's Start™ Numbers and "Optical Illusions Lab" educational kits
- Hazard
- Poisoning and toxic substances hazard
- Hazard type
- Poisoning and toxic substances
- Units
- About 160,000
- Last updated by CPSC
- March 13, 2026
What was recalled
The "Let's Start™" kit has a blue and red cover with a dog on the front, and contains an interactive book that uses exercises and activities to introduce children to numbers. The clear acetate stencil sheet is part of a packet of activity pieces, including a cleaning sponge, counting coins, a magic pen, and a counting frame. On the back of the kit, it reads in part, "This product is suitable for use only by children over 4 years of age." The "Optical Illusions" kit has a multi- colored cover with various geometric shapes, and reads in part, "Only for use by children over 8 years of age and under adult supervision." The black pen is included with an activity book and various shapes and images used to perform optical experiments.
Is my product affected?
Compare your product with the details below, including model numbers where listed.
- Let's Start™ Numbers and "Optical Illusions Lab" educational kits · About 160,000 units
Photos from the recall notice
Where it was sold
Companies named in the notice: Retail stores, national book chains, wholesalers and distributors, and membership warehouse clubs nationwide sold the educational kits, from February 1999 through May 2001, for between $13 and $20.; Advantage Publishers Group, of San Diego, Calif..
Injuries or incidents reported
CPSC and Advantage Publishers Group have not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. Lead poisoning is a serious hazard to children, and is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.
Consumer contact
Customers should call Lilian Shia (858-450-3556) or Lynn Brennan (858-457-2500 X-2575) at Advantage Publishers Group. Consumers also can obtain information by going to the company's website at www.advantagebooksonline.com
Recall history and context
Advantage Publishers appears in 2 CPSC recalls on record.
Since 2019 CPSC has recorded 399 recalls in the other consumer products category, 68 recalls of them in the past 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
What was recalled?
Let's Start™ Numbers and "Optical Illusions Lab" educational kits (About 160,000 units). The "Let's Start™" kit has a blue and red cover with a dog on the front, and contains an interactive book that uses exercises and activities to introduce children to numbers.
Why was it recalled?
CPSC lists the reason as: Poisoning and toxic substances hazard.
What should I do if I own one?
Consumers should immediately remove the stencil sheets and pens from the activity kits and discard them. Customers should call Advantage Publishers Group to order a replacement piece.
More recalls from Advantage Publishers
- CPSC, Advantage Publishers Group Announce Recall of Children's Books
December 15, 2005 · Advantage Publishers · Other consumer productsThe recalled children's activity books are multi-colored, with holes in the pages to touch a variety of fabrics and to push a squeaker toy, flaps to lift, and a clear…
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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall data, shown as published and last updated by CPSC on March 13, 2026. Details can change; the official notice is the authority. If your product may be recalled, stop and read the notice before deciding what to do. Terms and disclaimer.