Brave Irene [Paperback]

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

William Steig(1907-2003) was a cartoonist, illustrator and author of award-winning books for children, includingShrek!, on which the DreamWorks movies are based; the Caldecott Medal-winnerSylvester and the Magic Pebble; The Caldecott Honor bookThe Amazing Bone; and the Newbury Honor BooksAbel's IslandandDoctor De Soto. Stieg also published thirteen collections of drawings for adults, includingThe Lonely Ones,Male/Female, andOur Miserable Life.

Weather Journal
Irene braves the elements on a stormy winter night. Have students create a list of the different types of weather that occur during each season. Then design a class weather journal and have students take turns recording the daily weather and its impact on the students' activities (e.g., Today it is sleeting. It is too wet, cold, and slippery for us to play outside at recess ).

Sew what?
Irene's mother is a talented dressmaker. Give students their own opportunity to sew clothing by providing them with two pieces of felt, a large plastic needle, yarn, and a hole-puncher. With a felt-tip pen, students should outline the design of the garment on a single lƒ½