The toys, which the notice says are “primarily used to play physical education tossing games,” are shaped like an octopus, alligator, chicken, frog, pig, penguin or cow.

He has other toys — a pink rubber ball, a fake pork chop, a rope creature that looks troublingly like Pepe the Frog — but the bear octopus is what is most reliably by his side.

Thousands of rubber children's toys are being recalled because they have lead paint that exceeds federal levels and could be toxic to children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the ...