Brave Irene

Written & illustrated by William Steig

A girl braves a fierce snowstorm to deliver a gown to the palace. Will she succeed?

3.5/7 Bookroo expert·4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,551 ratings

32 pages· 1,658 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

Irene Bobbin, the dressmaker's daughter, faces a daunting task: deliver a ball gown to the duchess amidst a raging snowstorm. With her mother unwell, Irene's determination is tested by the wicked wind and numerous obstacles. Can this courageous girl overcome nature's fury and complete her mission? Her journey is a testament to bravery and perseverance, inspiring readers to cheer her on through every twist and turn. Will Irene's willpower be enough to conquer the storm and ensure the gown reaches the palace in time?

From the publisher

Brave Irene is Irene Bobbin, the dressmaker’s daughter. Her mother, Mrs. Bobbin, isn’t feeling so well and can’t possibly deliver the beautiful ball gown she’s made for the duchess to wear that very evening. So plucky Irene volunteers to get the gown to the palace on time, in spite of the fierce snowstorm that’s brewing— quite an errand for a little girl.

But where there’s a will, there’s a way, as Irene proves in the danger-fraught adventure that follows. She must defy the wiles of the wicked wind, her most formidable opponent, and overcome many obstacles before she completes her mission. Surely, this winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on.

Brave Irene is a 1986 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 32
Words: 1,658
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD630L

Themes & topics

Books about courage Books about bravery Books about self-esteem Books about girls and women Books about storms

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

What readers & critics say

Reviews

3.5

out of 7

3.5

“Like many older picture books, Brave Irene is longer and full of many more words than today's popular picture books. The story is long and honestly a bit slow, so readers will have to be a little brave themselves to make it through. The story is certainly dated--all about a little girl delivering a dress to a duchess during the middle of a snowstorm--but I was excited to find a book that focused almost entirely on a strong young girl.”

Lemony Snickers

Trusted reviewer

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