A Baker's Dozen

American folklore binds traditions of Native Americans and Europeans who arrived in the 16th century. It includes founding myths of America that feature Christopher Columbus and Pilgrims, leaders of the American Revolution, but the fundamental of the American folklore are its tall tales with the famous John Henry and Paul Bunyan. This is a story of a baker who refused once to give a customer a free cookie. After that woe and misfortune fell upon him, his business started to run badly and he was almost out of funds to support his family. As he sought an advice of Saint Nicholas – the patron of merchants and sailors – the latter revealed to him a simple but vital wisdom which everyone should stick to. This story is a wonderful and edifying parable for children and a wonderful reminder for adults.