Brave Irene

By: William Steig

Narrated by: Meryl Streep

This audio edition includes narration by Meryl Streep.

This winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on as she ventures through a bitter cold snowstorm in William Steig's classic Brave Irene.

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.

Brave Irene is a 1986 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year.
Adapted into a short film in 1989 from director Daniel Ivanick.

©1986 William Steig (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Despite a raging snowstorm, Irene, a dressmaker's daughter, offers to deliver the duchess's newly finished ball gown...With sure writing and well-composed, riveting art, Steig keeps readers with Irene every step of the long way.” —Starred, Booklist

“One of Steig's simplest stories [and] one of his best, a tale that has the force of a legend.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“William Steig's Brave Irene has the timeless quality of a classic fairy tale.” —Publishers Weekly

Love it !

Brave Irene is brave indeed! Lovely telling and great narrator! Now I have to get the book .

Good children's story of fear and persistence

my daughter loves this story. Streep is excellent, and the story is that of a strong and persistent little girl. the child is honest about her fear, but brave and resourceful. vivid imagery.

good story, with caveat

"brave Irene always makes me sleep"--Savannah, on her bedtime choice. Perfect narrator voice as well.

(As an adult, I'm bothered by a small child being sent into possibly deadly weather--over a dress. and by royalty not taking care of her and her mother BEFORE her arrival. but...I realize most children may not be affected by that.)

Young kiddos

Both my 6 year old and my almost 3 year old loves the book. We listened 4 times in one sitting. Interesting story but engaging.

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