'The 'Baker's Dozen' of the title are the thirteen children of Jape Cotgrove, who comes to Sydney with his family in the 1860s to make a new life. The story of their adventures centres around Charlotte Cotgrove - usually known as Charley - whose ambition is to become a schoolteacher, but the author gives us a lively impression of her brothers and sisters, including lovely, irresponsible Livvy; Jane, the conscientious one; the endearing, mischievous twins; hardworking George; Jimmy, who longs to go to sea; Cathy, who is 'different' and demands Charley's special attention, and 'Cornstalk', the baby.
'The family at first settle in the Rocks area of Sydney, but later move to Boanyoo, in the Southern Tableland. They enjoy the country better than the city, and in Boanyoo, Charley draws nearer to achieving her ambition. A lightly drawn romance, and the excitement of bushrangers' exploits highlight this story of the Cotgroves, who find happiness in a new land.' (Inside dust jacket).
