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The Baker's Dozen
In this retelling of a colonial tale about how thirteen became a baker’s dozen, a greedy baker almost loses his business before he discovers the joys of giving.
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 27, 2018
Van Amsterdam was the most renowned baker in all of Albanytown, and was particularly known for his St. Nicholas cookies, which always sold well at the holidays. Eventually allowing his greed to overcome his honesty, he slowly began to short-change his own recipes, putting in just a little bit less of some of the fine ingredients he had always used. When an old woman visited his shop one day and ordered a dozen cookies, only to condemn him to his face for his greed, when he carefully counted out twelve of them, he responded in anger. Informing him that he'd be sorry for not giving her thirteen cookies, the old woman departed, and misfortune was not long to follow. Would Van Amsterdam have learned his lesson, by the time she returned the next year...?
This pourquoi tale, which explains how a "baker's dozen" came to be thirteen, rather than twelve, originally appeared in James Kirke Paulding's 1836 The Book of Saint Nicholas , although apparently the custom predates Dutch colonial days, and can be traced back to medieval England. In any case, this particular story is an American explanation for the custom, one which draws on the Dutch traditions of the New York area, and which can also be found in Aaron Shepard's The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale . Heather Forest's telling here is engaging, but I think I prefer the artwork (done by Wendy Edelson) in the Shepard version to the watercolor and colored pencil illustrations here.
This pourquoi tale, which explains how a "baker's dozen" came to be thirteen, rather than twelve, originally appeared in James Kirke Paulding's 1836 The Book of Saint Nicholas , although apparently the custom predates Dutch colonial days, and can be traced back to medieval England. In any case, this particular story is an American explanation for the custom, one which draws on the Dutch traditions of the New York area, and which can also be found in Aaron Shepard's The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale . Heather Forest's telling here is engaging, but I think I prefer the artwork (done by Wendy Edelson) in the Shepard version to the watercolor and colored pencil illustrations here.
March 10, 2016
The Baker’s Dozen (1989) Retold by Heather Forest and Illustrated by Susan Gaber
This picture book tells the story of Van Amsterdam, a baker of great renown, who lived in the American Colonies in 1655. His bakery is extremely prosperous until he is visited by an old woman who orders a dozen pastries. When Van Amsterdam gives her the typical 12 pastries, she is disgusted that she is not given 13, which means a dozen to her. After this exchange, Van Amsterdam’s business goes downhill, as he loses all of his customers. It isn’t until a lot of time passes and he is visited by the old woman again that things turn around for Van Amsterdam. This time, he elects to give her 13 pastries, signifying that he is no longer directed by greed. After this, people realize that, “when generosity replaces greed, good fortune follows.”
• Interestingly, the text is framed with two horizontal boxes containing objects pivotal to the current scene being depicted. For instance, pastries are found in the boxes, sometimes flowers, and the woman’s coat. This adds interest to the pages, especially the text box.
• Furthermore, the pictures are done beautifully. When the old woman warns Van Amsterdam that, “You’ll be sorry, Van Amsterdam,” the shift of the story from a happy, unsuspecting tone to a threatening, dark tone is depicted through the detailed pictures. The old woman’s black coat spans the length of the page and only part of her face and pointing finger is seen. The baked goods fly in the air, dramatizing the scene. It is important that this page’s pictures be so powerful because they represent a turning point in the story. It is after this scene that Van Amsterdam’s business and happy disposition changes.
• The message of this story is a great one for children to read. In class, we talked about how older picture books often included a lesson or overlying theme for children to take away after reading. In this book, the theme is that, “you’ll never be rich because you are greedy.” Children learn that those who act selflessly and in a non-greedy manner will be rewarded. On the other hand, those who are motivated by greed will encounter consequences.
This is one of my favorite picture books that I have read. The story of how a baker’s dozen came to mean thirteen in the Colonies is one that I did not know prior to reading. As someone who loves history, this really fascinated me. The fact that this is a true story about a baker who really lived in the Colonies makes me like it that much more. It is awesome to know that this custom of making a dozen mean 13 still persists today.
This picture book tells the story of Van Amsterdam, a baker of great renown, who lived in the American Colonies in 1655. His bakery is extremely prosperous until he is visited by an old woman who orders a dozen pastries. When Van Amsterdam gives her the typical 12 pastries, she is disgusted that she is not given 13, which means a dozen to her. After this exchange, Van Amsterdam’s business goes downhill, as he loses all of his customers. It isn’t until a lot of time passes and he is visited by the old woman again that things turn around for Van Amsterdam. This time, he elects to give her 13 pastries, signifying that he is no longer directed by greed. After this, people realize that, “when generosity replaces greed, good fortune follows.”
• Interestingly, the text is framed with two horizontal boxes containing objects pivotal to the current scene being depicted. For instance, pastries are found in the boxes, sometimes flowers, and the woman’s coat. This adds interest to the pages, especially the text box.
• Furthermore, the pictures are done beautifully. When the old woman warns Van Amsterdam that, “You’ll be sorry, Van Amsterdam,” the shift of the story from a happy, unsuspecting tone to a threatening, dark tone is depicted through the detailed pictures. The old woman’s black coat spans the length of the page and only part of her face and pointing finger is seen. The baked goods fly in the air, dramatizing the scene. It is important that this page’s pictures be so powerful because they represent a turning point in the story. It is after this scene that Van Amsterdam’s business and happy disposition changes.
• The message of this story is a great one for children to read. In class, we talked about how older picture books often included a lesson or overlying theme for children to take away after reading. In this book, the theme is that, “you’ll never be rich because you are greedy.” Children learn that those who act selflessly and in a non-greedy manner will be rewarded. On the other hand, those who are motivated by greed will encounter consequences.
This is one of my favorite picture books that I have read. The story of how a baker’s dozen came to mean thirteen in the Colonies is one that I did not know prior to reading. As someone who loves history, this really fascinated me. The fact that this is a true story about a baker who really lived in the Colonies makes me like it that much more. It is awesome to know that this custom of making a dozen mean 13 still persists today.
October 25, 2017
A short, engaging story about the origin of "the Baker's dozen." I wish there were more folktales from the colonial times in America! My son and I loved this one! We often go to our neighborhood bagel store to purchase bagels. We always receive a baker's dozen!
December 7, 2016
Generosity vs Greed. Wonderful book!...krb 12/7/16
September 11, 2020
Came upon this while going through the shelves and it was a cute colonial tale on the origin of the baker’s dozen. Also features St. Nichols cookies so it would make a good story to read in December.
December 23, 2018
Holiday favorite! One book I read each year. I'm surprised I haven't recorded it in Goodreads yet.
December 15, 2019
Nice children's story to encourage giving a little extra in all we do.
Read
November 20, 2020Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 7, 2023
Great book with lessons in not being greedy.
December 22, 2023
It doesn't pay to be greedy!
October 4, 2013
Title: The Baker's Dozen (A Colonial American Tale)
Author: Heather Forest & Susan Gaber
Publisher: August House/Little Folk
Published: 9-10-2013
ISBN: 13-978-1-03016-6070-6
Pages: 32
Genre: Children's Literature
Tags: Fiction, Fairy Tale
A story of how the bakers dozen came into being. Van Amsterdam was a baker who built up his business until people came far and wide to buy his wares. Then one day an old woman comes into his shop to buy a dozen cookies when he only put in twelve she told him he still owed her 1 more. Then the baker learns a lesson in humility.
With illustrations that follow along with the story that captured the interest of its young readers so well. I watched as my 7 year old read the story to her 2 two younger siblings. All three found the story to be fun and entertaining. My niece was so pleased with herself that she was able to read the story with no difficulty and I was also. This is a book I will be purchasing for a Christmas present this year. It was well written and the illustrator did an excellent job.
An advanced copy of The Baker's Dozen was provided to me for my honest review by the publisher and NetGalley.
Author: Heather Forest & Susan Gaber
Publisher: August House/Little Folk
Published: 9-10-2013
ISBN: 13-978-1-03016-6070-6
Pages: 32
Genre: Children's Literature
Tags: Fiction, Fairy Tale
A story of how the bakers dozen came into being. Van Amsterdam was a baker who built up his business until people came far and wide to buy his wares. Then one day an old woman comes into his shop to buy a dozen cookies when he only put in twelve she told him he still owed her 1 more. Then the baker learns a lesson in humility.
With illustrations that follow along with the story that captured the interest of its young readers so well. I watched as my 7 year old read the story to her 2 two younger siblings. All three found the story to be fun and entertaining. My niece was so pleased with herself that she was able to read the story with no difficulty and I was also. This is a book I will be purchasing for a Christmas present this year. It was well written and the illustrator did an excellent job.
An advanced copy of The Baker's Dozen was provided to me for my honest review by the publisher and NetGalley.
Read
November 7, 2013I love folktales and THE BAKER'S DOZEN was a fun one.
Though principally a tale about why a 'bakers dozen' is 13 instead of 12, there are some other lessons tucked into the story that one can discuss with older children.
The story begins with Van Amsterdam a successful baker. The man is renown for his Christmas cookies and does a brisk business in them. All is well until Van Amsterdam realizes that if he just short changes his famous recipe, just a little bit, that he can make even more profit per cookie.
He does this, and all is well, until one day an old woman shows up. Well, you know how we are. We suspect something is up; and when the old woman demands 13 cookies instead of 12 the baker refuses. The old woman storms from his shop, and consequently his business implodes.
That is, until the old woman re-appears a year later and this time Van Amsterdam gives her 13 cookies.
The tale is well told. The artwork is charming. And Heather Forest's THE BAKER'S DOZEN is worth sharing.
[[if you're curious... sample pages here: http://www.booksforkids-reviews.com/2... ]]
Though principally a tale about why a 'bakers dozen' is 13 instead of 12, there are some other lessons tucked into the story that one can discuss with older children.
The story begins with Van Amsterdam a successful baker. The man is renown for his Christmas cookies and does a brisk business in them. All is well until Van Amsterdam realizes that if he just short changes his famous recipe, just a little bit, that he can make even more profit per cookie.
He does this, and all is well, until one day an old woman shows up. Well, you know how we are. We suspect something is up; and when the old woman demands 13 cookies instead of 12 the baker refuses. The old woman storms from his shop, and consequently his business implodes.
That is, until the old woman re-appears a year later and this time Van Amsterdam gives her 13 cookies.
The tale is well told. The artwork is charming. And Heather Forest's THE BAKER'S DOZEN is worth sharing.
[[if you're curious... sample pages here: http://www.booksforkids-reviews.com/2... ]]
Read
November 21, 2014I love folktales and THE BAKER'S DOZEN was a fun one.
Though principally a tale about why a 'bakers dozen' is 13 instead of 12, there are some other lessons tucked into the story that one can discuss with older children.
The story begins with Van Amsterdam a successful baker. The man is renown for his Christmas cookies and does a brisk business in them. All is well until Van Amsterdam realizes that if he just short changes his famous recipe, just a little bit, that he can make even more profit per cookie.
He does this, and all is well, until one day an old woman shows up. Well, you know how we are. We suspect something is up; and when the old woman demands 13 cookies instead of 12 the baker refuses. The old woman storms from his shop, and consequently his business implodes.
That is, until the old woman re-appears a year later and this time Van Amsterdam gives her 13 cookies.
The tale is well told. The artwork is charming. And Heather Forest's THE BAKER'S DOZEN is worth sharing.
[[if you're curious... sample pages here: http://www.booksforkids-reviews.com/2... ]]
Though principally a tale about why a 'bakers dozen' is 13 instead of 12, there are some other lessons tucked into the story that one can discuss with older children.
The story begins with Van Amsterdam a successful baker. The man is renown for his Christmas cookies and does a brisk business in them. All is well until Van Amsterdam realizes that if he just short changes his famous recipe, just a little bit, that he can make even more profit per cookie.
He does this, and all is well, until one day an old woman shows up. Well, you know how we are. We suspect something is up; and when the old woman demands 13 cookies instead of 12 the baker refuses. The old woman storms from his shop, and consequently his business implodes.
That is, until the old woman re-appears a year later and this time Van Amsterdam gives her 13 cookies.
The tale is well told. The artwork is charming. And Heather Forest's THE BAKER'S DOZEN is worth sharing.
[[if you're curious... sample pages here: http://www.booksforkids-reviews.com/2... ]]
May 31, 2016
http://kachildrensbookreviews.blogspo...
We received this book to give an honest review.
K and I really both enjoyed this story being told. Baker Van Amsterdam ends up making amazing St. Nicholas cookies which ends up him having a lot of money, but it seems having a lot of money is making him greedy. Baker Van Amsterdam learns a lesson on being greedy when a woman comes in to buy a dozen cookies and only gets twelve. Things turn upside down for this baker until his lesson is learned and he does the right thing.
K thought it was neat to learn that a baker's dozen means thirteen and not twelve and that being greedy is not a good thing to be.
The pictures really went well with each page and I think children from ages 4 on up would enjoy this story.
Questions and Answers with K.
1. Did you like this book?
"Yes"
2. Did you learn anything with this book?
"Yes that you shouldn't be greedy and put all the ingredients into the recipe. Also that a baker's dozen means thirteen."
3. Would you recommend this book to your friends?
"Yes"
We received this book to give an honest review.
K and I really both enjoyed this story being told. Baker Van Amsterdam ends up making amazing St. Nicholas cookies which ends up him having a lot of money, but it seems having a lot of money is making him greedy. Baker Van Amsterdam learns a lesson on being greedy when a woman comes in to buy a dozen cookies and only gets twelve. Things turn upside down for this baker until his lesson is learned and he does the right thing.
K thought it was neat to learn that a baker's dozen means thirteen and not twelve and that being greedy is not a good thing to be.
The pictures really went well with each page and I think children from ages 4 on up would enjoy this story.
Questions and Answers with K.
1. Did you like this book?
"Yes"
2. Did you learn anything with this book?
"Yes that you shouldn't be greedy and put all the ingredients into the recipe. Also that a baker's dozen means thirteen."
3. Would you recommend this book to your friends?
"Yes"
September 14, 2013
Una "dozzina del panettiere/pasticcere"* è un uso americano, a quanto pare ancora presente da qualche parte, che consiste nel ricevere tredici "pezzi" (biscotti, panini, dolci) quando se ne ordinino una dozzina: ossia nell'ottenere un piccolo omaggio.
Questo delizioso volumetto spiega le origini dell'usanza ricorrendo a una leggenda, e insegnando che l'onestà e la generosità premiano e arricchiscono molto più dell'avarizia - con l'aiuto di una fata un po' irritabile, che a quanto pare dal castello della Bestia aveva deciso di fare una capatina nell'America coloniale al solo scopo di insegnare la buona creanza al famoso panettiere Van Amsterdam, al quale il successo aveva dato alla testa. XD
Piacevolissimo il testo, interessante e divertente sia l'usanza (che non conoscevo) che la leggenda, appetitosi (sopratutto nelle parti in cui illustrano il negozio di Van Amsterdam) i magnifici acquerelli.
Questo delizioso volumetto spiega le origini dell'usanza ricorrendo a una leggenda, e insegnando che l'onestà e la generosità premiano e arricchiscono molto più dell'avarizia - con l'aiuto di una fata un po' irritabile, che a quanto pare dal castello della Bestia aveva deciso di fare una capatina nell'America coloniale al solo scopo di insegnare la buona creanza al famoso panettiere Van Amsterdam, al quale il successo aveva dato alla testa. XD
Piacevolissimo il testo, interessante e divertente sia l'usanza (che non conoscevo) che la leggenda, appetitosi (sopratutto nelle parti in cui illustrano il negozio di Van Amsterdam) i magnifici acquerelli.
October 12, 2013
The Baker's Dozen was an extremely entertaining book. I found that the story revealed such deep messages. I loved how the baker's story shared lessons on true prosperity, sincerity of heart, and the importance of humility. I was able to see how the lure of greed could impact the human soul and also how there is a blessing that resides in repentance. Excellent!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.
February 28, 2020
This story explains how the term 'a baker's dozen' originated, with a moral lesson that "when generosity replaces greed, good fortune follows." (p. 30 - unpaged)
"The full-color artwork in this book was done on 90-lb. Fabriano cold press 100% cotton watercolor paper using watercolor and colored pencil." And while the pictures themselves aren't particularly my favorite, they certainly complement the narrative nicely.
"The full-color artwork in this book was done on 90-lb. Fabriano cold press 100% cotton watercolor paper using watercolor and colored pencil." And while the pictures themselves aren't particularly my favorite, they certainly complement the narrative nicely.
January 20, 2014
The kids and I enjoyed reading this story together. They liked the pictures and I liked how there was a message being told. Both kids said that the baker should have been nice to the old woman the first time and given her the extra cookie. I never knew why a bakers dozen was 13 instead of 12, so this folktale shed light on that question.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2018
This rather wordy retelling of an old folktale is suitable for elementary age children. In this story, a rather miserly baker learns to be more generous. The illustrations do a good job of showing all the action.
September 14, 2013
Everything you want in a good folktale: A greedy baker who learns his lesson, that only by being generous can one become prosperous. Just right for second and third graders, too, which is generally the age students start talking about folktales.
September 14, 2013
ARC via NetGalley
Well-written and well-illustrated picture book retelling the supposed origin of the 'baker's dozen.' Children should enjoy it, although expect more than a few to question if the baker in the tale is really redeemed or hoodwinked into giving away goods for free.
Well-written and well-illustrated picture book retelling the supposed origin of the 'baker's dozen.' Children should enjoy it, although expect more than a few to question if the baker in the tale is really redeemed or hoodwinked into giving away goods for free.
January 2, 2014
This book told the historic tale of a Colonial baker in Albany, NY who learned that greed does not make one rich, and how the custom of 13 cookies being a "baker's dozen" came about. The illustrations were nice, but nothing spectacular.
January 30, 2009
Cute story on why we should always give a little more than is expected. I liked it for my kids!
November 13, 2013
ARC supplied by publisher via NetGalley
November 30, 2013
A nice little cautionary tale with a bit of colonial history tossed in. This would be a nice addition to a library holiday collection.
December 8, 2013
Charming story for young readers and the read-to-me set about the origin of the saying "baker's dozen". The story in entertaining, the illustrations delightful Recommended for all.
June 14, 2014
The Baker's Dozen is a delightful tale with beautiful illustrations and a good message or two. It would make a great gift for little children.
January 21, 2016
How a dozen became 13 and not 12 at a bakery.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews