Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

What happens when you mix an efficiency expert, his lovely wife and twelve rambunctious children?  You have just encountered the Gilbreth family and life may never be the same.   While most people may think that the movie, Cheaper by the Dozen is just fiction, it is actually based on the book of the same name.  And the book is based on the life of the real Gilbreth family from the early 20th century and their antics. 

A dozen children may not be cheap in any day and age but they certainly are energetic.   For Papa Gilbreth, training and attempted control tried to keep a lid on some of the energy but was rarely truly successful.  But then, was Papa really, truly trying to be the stern disciplinarian? 

Every reader will find a Gilbreth to relate to in this story.  Whether it is Ernestine, Anne, Frank Jr., Lillian, Matt, Bill or another Gilbreth, there is a personality for everyone. Bill is the clown of the family, usually in trouble and often the one brave or foolish enough to play tricks on father.   Anne and Ernestine are the oldest sisters and help run the roost.  They are responsible for helping the younger ones with chores, dressing, etc. but also long for normal teen things like dates, clothes, dances and going to higher education. 

This classic is a must read for everyone.  Laughs, crying and everything in between will result! 

Gilbreth, F. B., & Carey, E. G. (1948). Cheaper by the dozen . New York: T.Y. Crowell Co..