The Bakery Ran Out of Bread
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in English, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
Tobin's usual Saturday bakery order isn't available, and the owner convinces him to try something new instead.
Tobin visits the same bakery every Saturday morning. He always orders one loaf of bread. Today the shop looks different.
A sign stands by the door. It says, "No bread today. Oven broken." Tobin stops and reads it twice.
He steps inside anyway. The owner, Delia, waves from behind the counter. "Sorry, Tobin," she says. "Our big oven stopped working."
"That's okay," Tobin says. "I can come back next week."
"Wait," Delia says. "Try something new today." She points to a tray of small orange rolls.
"What are these?" Tobin asks. "A new recipe," Delia says. "Sweet rolls with orange peel."
Tobin picks one up and smells it. It smells warm and sweet. He takes a small bite.
His eyes open wide. "This is really good," he says. "I like this a lot."
Delia smiles and wraps six rolls for him. "Take these home," she says. "The oven works again next week."
Tobin pays and carries his warm bag outside. He smells the rolls all the way home. Bread can wait until next week.
