A review, the Baker’s Dozen, A Saint Nicholas Tale

The Baker’s Dozen, a Saint Nicholas Tale, is a delightful story to read to your children during Advent, particularly around the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6.

I think this book is a nice change of pace for children who are already aware of who St. Nicholas is and his history as a bishop. This story is set in Albany, New York, probably in the 18th or 19th century. We just know that it was before modern times and certainly before the days of the super grocery stores!

The story centers on the baker, Van Amsterdam, a good baker and honest businessman who gives his customers exactly what they pay for, “not more and not less.” Although that is very legal and very fair, it’s not exactly fun is it? In the long run it also proves to be bad for business when a mysterious old woman enters the bakery and asks for 13 St. Nicholas Cookies and insists that 13 makes a dozen. When Van Amsterdam reiterates his motto and only gives her 12 cookies the old lady curses him as she leaves with the words, “Fall again, mount again, learn how to count again!”

After that Van Amsterdam’s business falls off and his baking suffers. A dream of the good saint and his genorosity turn Van Amsterdam’s heart around and changes his business practices. In the end, he learns that a few freebies are actually good for business, and for his own heart!

The illustrations are colorful and interesting. My kids loved to look at the detail in them. This is another nice book to read during the Advent season!

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