num_pages: 40
description:  Why not give more? Van Amsterdam the baker was well known for his honesty as well as for his fine Saint Nicholas cookies. He always gave his customers exactly what they paid for -- not more and not less. So he was not about to give in when a mysterious old woman comes to him on Saint Nicholas Day and insists that a dozen is thirteen! The woman's curse puts an end to the baker's business and he believes it would take Saint Nicholas to help him. But if he receives that help will it be exactly what he imagined? Find out in this inspiring legend from Dutch colonial New York about the birth of an honored American custom. TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS -- A READER'S THEATER SCRIPT OF THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE IN AARON'S BOOK FOLKTALES ON STAGE OR FREE ON AARON'S WEB SITE. //////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of The Legend of Lightning Larry The Sea King's Daughter and many more children's books. Once a professional storyteller Aaron specializes in lively retellings of folktales and other traditional literature which have won him honors from the American Library Association the New York Public Library the Bank Street College of Education the National Council for the Social Studies and the American Folklore Society. Wendy Edelson has applied her award-winning skills to a wide range of illustration projects including picture books pet portraits posters and puzzles. Among her clients have been Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo the Seattle Aquarium Pacific Northwest Ballet the U.S. Postal Service Cricket Magazine McGraw-Hill Education and the American Library Association. //////////////////////////////////////////////// HONORS American Bookseller Pick of the Lists Trumpet Book Club selection Valerie and Walter's Best Books for Children The good will of legendary Saint Nick resonates in this tale about the origin of the term 'baker's dozen.' . . . Shepard's easy-to-follow retelling has an appropriate Old World flavor. -- Publishers Weekly Sept. 18 1995 A particularly nice holiday story accented by paintings full of detail. . . . Well-paced and a good length for groups or individuals this is right on target for audiences. Edelson's artwork is filled with marvelously-alive characters who almost step from the pages. -- Ilene Cooper Booklist Sept. 15 1995 A lush new version of a traditional tale. . . . Well-chosen words and a nicely-paced text that begs to be told aloud. A treat for the holiday season. -- School Library Journal Oct. 1995 Aaron Shepard retells a favorite colonial legend with the voice of the storyteller. -- Jan Lieberman TNT Fall 1995 A fine tale of generosity for St. Nicholas Day or any day. -- Marilyn McPhie Storybag Special Review Issue 1997 A story with a message to be heard during the holidays and all year long. -- Children's Book Review
language: English
title: The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale, with Bonus Cookie Recipe and Pattern for St. Nicholas Christmas Cookies
publisher: Skyhook Press