Van Amsterdam's Bakery Lessons

In a Dutch colonial town, a baker named Van Amsterdam is known for his honesty, giving customers exactly what they pay for. An old woman challenges him by asking for a baker's dozen, which he refuses. This leads to a series of misfortunes for the baker. A year later, after a dream involving Saint Nicholas, the baker realizes the importance of generosity. He adopts the tradition of giving 13 cookies for a dozen, which restores his business and brings him success.

What is the main topic introduced at the beginning of the story?

• The ingredients of gingerbread cookies

• The life of Saint Nicholas

• The concept of a baker's dozen

• The history of Albany, New York

Why was Van Amsterdam's bakery popular?

• He sold the cheapest bread

• He was known for his honesty and good baking

• He had the largest bakery in town

• He offered free cookies on holidays

What special event increased the bakery's business?

• Thanksgiving

• New Year's Eve

• Christmas

• Saint Nicholas Day

What did the old woman request from Van Amsterdam?

• A free sample of cookies

• A dozen cookies, which she claimed was 13

• A special discount on cookies

• A dozen cookies, which she claimed was 11

How did Van Amsterdam initially respond to the old woman's request?

• He agreed and gave her 13 cookies

• He refused and insisted a dozen is 12

• He offered her a discount instead

• He ignored her request

What did the old woman say to Van Amsterdam before leaving?

• She promised to return with more customers

• She complimented his cookies

• She warned him about his tight fist and small heart

• She wished him good luck

What happened to Van Amsterdam's bakery after the old woman left?

• It was sold to another baker

• It was closed permanently

• It faced a series of failures

• It became more successful

What did Van Amsterdam wish for on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day?

• To move to a new town

• To find a new job

• For Saint Nicholas to help him

• To sell all his cookies

In Van Amsterdam's dream, what was unusual about Saint Nicholas's gifts?

• They were invisible

• They were too heavy to carry

• They never ran out

• They were all the same

Who did Van Amsterdam see in his dream instead of Saint Nicholas?

• His mother

• The old woman

• A young child

• A fellow baker