Does a Lion Brush? Does a Pig Flush?: Think About Brushing and Flushing

by Harriet Ziefert, Emily Bolam (Illustrator)

With a friendly and funny question-and-answer format that compares people and animals, this book provides the perfect vehicle for introducing children to experiences they all encounter as they grow and develop. While a pig might not use a toilet and a lion may abstain from using a toothbrush, exaggerated humor leads perfectly to the fact that these are functions each child needs to master.

42 pages, Paperback

Published August 30, 2023

About the author

Harriet Ziefert grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey, where she attended the local schools. She graduated from Smith College, then received a Masters degree in Education from New York University.

For many years, Ziefert was an elementary school teacher. She taught most grades from kindergarten to fifth grade. "I liked it," she said, but she stopped teaching when she had her own sons. When her children were older, Ziefert wanted "a bigger arena" for her work. She went to work at a publishing company, Scholastic in New York City, developing materials for teacher's guides for kindergarten language arts and social studies programs.

"About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year.

Reviews

[Sarah Alamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're so proud of you for reading this fun book! You learned something really important - that people are different from animals. Lions don't brush their teeth and pigs don't use toilets, but YOU do! This helps you stay healthy and clean. Now you know why brushing your teeth and using the bathroom properly matters so much. Keep taking good care of yourself every day, sweetie. You're growing into such a smart and responsible girl! We love you bunches!