A Day in the Life of a Baker

Every morning, the world is dark and quiet. Most people are sleeping in their warm beds. But Thomas is already awake. Thomas is a baker.

At 3:00 AM, Thomas walks to his small bakery. The air is cold outside. Inside, it is warm and smells like sweet flour. Thomas turns on the lights. He ties a clean white apron around his waist. His workday begins.

First, Thomas makes the bread dough. He mixes flour, water, salt, and yeast in a big metal bowl. His hands move fast and strong. He pushes and pulls the dough. Baking is hard physical work.

Next, Thomas waits. The dough needs time to grow. While it rests, he prepares sweet pastries. He rolls out butter and pastry dough to make croissants. He cuts them into triangles and rolls them carefully.

At 5:00 AM, the oven is hot. Thomas puts the big loaves of bread inside. He bakes brown bread, white bread, and crusty baguettes. The bakery fills with a wonderful smell. Golden bread comes out of the hot oven.

At 6:30 AM, the sun comes up. The front door opens. The first customers walk inside. It is a neighbor going to work.

"Good morning, Thomas!" the neighbor says.

"Good morning! Fresh bread today?" Thomas smiles. He hands over a warm, crusty loaf in a brown paper bag.

People come all morning. Children buy sweet rolls before school. Office workers buy coffee and croissants. Everyone is happy to see Thomas and taste his food.

By 1:00 PM, the shelves are empty. All the bread and pastries are sold. Thomas is very tired. His feet hurt, and his clothes have white flour on them. But he feels happy. He cleans his tables and sweeps the floor.

At 2:00 PM, Thomas locks the door and goes home to rest. Tomorrow at 3:00 AM, he will wake up and do it all again.

What is your favorite kind of bread?