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

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.

Love it !

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

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.

Ty

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Brave Indeed

Enjoyed all aspects of the book....the story, presentation & moral. Easy listening & kept my attention.

Marvellous

Incredible story with a marvellous reading by Meryl Streep. Kids loved it, and I have listened to it once in the car on my own!

Odd presentation

The narration is lovely. Ms Streep lends a fantastic spins to the characters and gives them voices. This audio is odd in that you get the full story, then the story is REPEATED with tones each time we are to turn the page. Missing something here? So am I! Because this download doesn't have any pictures!

Call me crazy but the publishing team blew it on this one. Ms Streep can't fix this weird error. Otherwise, this is a short and cute story with a good narrator.

Meryl Streep is such a jewel

This narration (and maybe all of Streep's) are such a wonder! I'll use this as a material for my English classes, as I believe it had meant to be. Such a great tale and entertaining performance.

Fantastic Story, Read Beautifully

Where does Brave Irene rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A beautifully read story about a young girl on a special mission for her mother. It's so well-read that even very small children can grasp and be drawn into the story. Just the reader's voice is worth listening to, a lovely story teller. So happy I decided to download this!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Brave Irene?

When Irene freed herself from the snow.

What about Meryl Streep’s performance did you like?

Her melodic voice, but also her incredible story-telling skills.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, definitely.

Any additional comments?

I would rather have Steep's voice than a million dollars. ;)