The Baker’s Dozen: A Colonial American Tale
In The Baker’s Dozen: A Colonial American Tale, all of Colonial America knows the baker, Van Amsterdam, for making his famous St. Nicholas cookies. However, his greed drives him to become stingy in his business, and he soon begins selling people short of quality cookies.
His trickery goes unnoticed until one day, when a strange, old woman buys a dozen cookies from him. She expects to receive 13, but the baker withholds the last one.
When the greedy baker only gives her 12 cookies, the old woman becomes upset. In a huff, she leaves the bakery yelling, “You’ll be sorry, Van Amsterdam!” And very soon he is… for his flourishing business quickly begins to go downhill.
The woman returns for another dozen cookies, but this time he gives her an extra measure. This is the story behind a “baker’s dozen,” and the custom of offering 13 items instead of the usual 12, spreads throughout the colonies. The baker learns that his customers respect him more for his kindness, instead of for his wealth.
This holiday story is the perfect companion to a day of cookie making and Christmas lessons about giving and humbleness. In addition, readers will learn the importance of fairness, trustworthiness, and selflessness.
- This visually stunning book provides an excellent read-aloud for children ages 5 to 7. Heart of Dakota’s Little Hearts for His Glory teacher’s guide schedules this Visual History Set book and also includes follow-ups for it in the Picture the Past box of plans.
